Data shows that around 8.6 million people in Lagos State, or 30% of the population, are affected by high blood pressure (HBP), contributing to the global toll of approximately 10 million hypertension-related deaths annually. In response, Lagos State plans to conduct a week-long free screening for 800,000 residents starting next week.
The announcement was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, alongside Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso. The screening campaign, organized by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and titled “Know Your Numbers and Control Your Numbers,” aims to increase public awareness of hypertension and diabetes in Lagos.
According to Prof. Abayomi, 3.48 million Lagos residents live with obesity, while 1.73 million are diabetic. He emphasized the need for regular check-ups, warning that untreated hypertension and diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.
As part of a national initiative, the campaign’s goal is to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes. In Lagos, the screenings will be offered at 300 primary health centers and 30 general hospitals across the state.