Kaduna, 13 November, 2024 – Theresa Wyankume, a 45-year-old instructor from Kaduna, a state within the northern a part of Nigeria, has all the time been diligent about her household’s well being, however like many, she usually neglects her personal.

She had all the time been wholesome—or so she thought till she was just lately recognized with hypertension. 

“I felt high-quality however determined to attend the screening as a result of it was free and simply accessible.” she mirrored. Theresa took benefit of the free screening after a neighbour informed her about it.

She is considered one of over 1000 individuals residing in Kaduna state who benefitted from the just lately carried out well being screening initiative underneath the Mission 10 Million marketing campaign, which has the theme ‘Know your numbers, management your numbers’ on the primary day of the mission.

The Nigeria Governors Discussion board sponsored the marketing campaign in partnership with the World Well being Group to encourage residents to benefit from free screening to watch and handle their well being. 

Beneath this marketing campaign, state well being Ministries are anticipated to display all adults 18 years of age and above to find out their standing. 

The train, carried out from 28 October to three November in most states, was to display for hypertension and diabetes—two silent-killer non-communicable ailments (NCDs)—and different infectious ailments. In states like Nasarawa, beneficiaries have been screened for hepatitis B and C.   

Again in Kaduna, Theresa expressed her appreciation for the chance to learn from the initiative, 

With a hypertension studying (100/150 mmHg), she was referred to the Main Well being Middle in Zakari Isa, the place she enrolled within the state’s contributory well being scheme. 

“I’m grateful to the Kaduna State authorities, WHO, and all companions for this initiative. I’ll encourage others to get screened to know their numbers.” After counselling from a healthcare employee on the screening submit, Theresa promised to regulate their way of life, scale back salt consumption, and train extra to regulate her blood stress.

Elevating consciousness about two silent-killer ailments
Diabetes and hypertension are two of essentially the most prevalent non-communicable ailments (NCDs) worldwide, usually labelled “silent killers” because of their long-term results on well being and the truth that they often go undiagnosed.

Each circumstances are categorized as NCDs as a result of they don’t seem to be brought on by infections however reasonably by way of life, genetic, and environmental components, and so they sometimes develop over time. In contrast to communicable ailments, which unfold from individual to individual, NCDs like hypertension and diabetes require sustained therapy and way of life administration reasonably than a one-time remedy. Each ailments account for 27 per cent of deaths in Nigeria yearly.

Regardless of these alarming statistics, many individuals are unaware of their standing relating to these well being circumstances.

Becoming a member of drive to fight NCDs

In Kaduna, the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Subuwa Balarable, flagged off the initiative and referred to as on residents to benefit from free testing to find out their well being standing.

She stated, “The prevalence of NCDs in Nigeria highlights the necessity for a public well being method targeted on early detection and preventive care. The initiative displays our authorities’s dedication to safeguarding the well being and well-being of our residents.

Governor Uba Sani’s administration has proactively applied well being initiatives to enhance Kaduna’s residents’ well-being. “Our objective is to make sure that each citizen has entry to important well being companies,” the Governor said. “We’re grateful for the assist from WHO and different companions in making this potential.”

Dr Bello, the WHO Kaduna State Coordinator, emphasised the significance of such applications. “The WHO is dedicated to supporting the Kaduna State Authorities in its efforts to fight NCDs. This screening initiative is an important a part of our technique to enhance public well being outcomes,” he stated. “Early detection and administration are essential to stopping the extreme penalties of the illness.

WHO supported the state by offering complete technical assist for each the planning and execution phases of the mission. This assist included skilled steering on strategic frameworks, operational logistics, knowledge administration programs, and greatest practices to make sure an efficient rollout. The collaborative effort between WHO and the state authorities was elementary in shaping an initiative that’s each sustainable and impactful.

Altering way of life 
Again to Theresa, her story intensifies the affect of accessible healthcare initiatives and the significance of normal well being check-ups.

The screening was a wake-up name for her, and he or she intends to make vital way of life adjustments, together with adopting a more healthy food plan and common train. “I’m grateful for the screening program,” she stated. “It has given me an opportunity to take management of my well being and be there for my youngsters.”