OGUN ADVOCATES EARLY DETECTION OF DIABETES, HYPERTENSION

  OGUN ADVOCATES EARLY DETECTION OF DIABETES, HYPERTENSION

Citizens of Ogun State have been advised to always ensure regular medical check-up, in order to detect early, life-threatening diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

The Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele gave this advice at the flag-off of a 2-day Free Diabetes Screening programme at Primary Health Center, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, organised by Lions’ Club International, Multiple District, Nigeria.

Engr. Salako-Oyedele described diabetes as one of the commonest diseases that affect adults in Nigeria, disclosing that it was recently estimated to have killed more than 40,000 Nigerians.

Salako-Oyedele, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, added that many people in the country living with the disease are unaware, saying “it can be prevented and treated if detected early. This underscores the essence of such free initiative like this".

The Deputy Governor said the initiative aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun's vision to prolong life expectancy of the people, through the provision of qualitative and affordable healthcare services.

"As a government, we plan for our people to enjoy screening for diabetes, hypertension and others at the PHC level through the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme, which will be formally launched soon", she said.

While appreciating the Lions’ Club for investing in the initiative, Salako-Oyedele appealed to members of the public to take advantage of the exercise to ascertain their health status.

In his welcome address, the Past District Governor, Lions’ Club, 404BI District, Mr. Abiodun Adedeji, said the aim of the programme was to educate members of the public on prevention, treatment and management of diabetes and hypertension, stating that the Club's various interventions across the country would help bring diabetes to zero-level.

 

Goke Gbadamosi & Femi Onasanya,

Press Officers, Ministry of Health.