The Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum (NHCF) has officially launched “Project 10Million,” a nationwide health initiative aimed at raising awareness and reducing the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension and diabetes.
Dr. Oyebanji Filani, Chairman of the NHCF and Commissioner for Health and Human Services in Ekiti State, announced the campaign in Abuja. Themed “Know Your Number, Control Your Number,” the project aims to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes from October 28 to November 3.
Dr. Filani highlighted that hypertension and diabetes are major health issues in Nigeria, accounting for 27% of all annual deaths. He noted that individuals aged 30 to 70 have a 17% chance of dying from these diseases, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.
The initiative has received support from the Nigeria Governors Forum and is being led by health commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Dr. Filani stressed the importance of equitable healthcare access, especially in underserved communities.
He described this coordinated effort as a vital step in addressing the growing burden of NCDs in Nigeria. Citizens can visit public health providers or outreach sites for free screenings, immediate counseling, and referrals to treatment facilities.
“With the increasing impact of hypertension and diabetes, decisive action is essential to combat these silent killers,” Dr. Filani stated. He added that Project 10Million represents a significant effort to improve health outcomes for millions of Nigerians.
The campaign aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and reflects the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) agreement signed with President Bola Tinubu. Additionally, governors’ spouses and other stakeholders will support the campaign by raising public awareness and encouraging health prioritization among Nigerians.
Dr. Filani explained that the initiative will not only focus on screening but also aim to enhance data collection on NCD prevalence. This will lead to the creation of hypertension and diabetes registers across states, which will inform future health policies and planning.
The project’s objectives include screening 10 million Nigerians during the campaign week, providing counseling and referrals for those with concerning results, linking newly detected cases to treatment, and increasing public awareness about these life-threatening conditions.
“This initiative goes beyond just screening; it aims to establish a sustainable framework for ongoing disease management,” Dr. Filani said. He expressed hope that as the campaign progresses, it will pave the way for broader health interventions in Nigeria, demonstrating a commitment to improving citizens’ well-being.
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