Pulse.ng : KDSG inaugurates 'Project 10 Million', screens 500,000 residents

By Stella Kabruk

The Kaduna State Ministry of Health, has on Monday inaugurated 'Project 10 Million'- 'Know Your Number, Control Your Number'

Speaking during the inuguration, the state Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, said the launch was a transformative healthcare initiative that demonstrated the administration's unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the people.

She said the state is embarking on an ambitious free screening program targeting 500,000 residents for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

"The alarming statistics concerning NCDs in Nigeria cannot be ignored. These silent killers – primarily cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension – are responsible for 27% of annual deaths in our country, claiming approximately 447,800 lives each year.

"More disturbing is the fact that the likelihood of dying from these conditions between ages 30 and 70 stands at 17% - striking at the heart of our productive population.

"This initiative, aptly named "Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number," is not just another healthcare program.

"It is a comprehensive intervention strategy aligned with the national campaign of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum to combat the rising prevalence of NCDs.

"Our approach is both strategic and inclusive, covering all three senatorial zones of our state through designated screening locations including Primary Health Care Centers, General Hospitals, markets, motor parks, higher institutions, and government offices.

She said beyond screening, the state is providing:Health education on major NCDs, blood pressure measurement, blood glucose testing,Immediate counseling and referral services and data collection to inform future health policies.

"We recognize that the battle against NCDs is complicated by various risk factors including tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and air pollution. This is why our approach emphasizes both detection and education,"she said.

The Deputy Governor noted that program aligns perfectly with the state governor's SUSTAIN Agenda and its commitment to human capital development. By prioritizing preventive healthcare and early detection, we are investing in the future of our state. A healthy population is crucial for economic development and social progress.

She commended the Team Health under the leadership of the Commissioner of Health, the Ministry's management, and all dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to bring this initiative to fruition. Your commitment to public health is truly commendable.

She urge residents take full advantage of the free screening program.

" Knowledge is power, and knowing your health status is the first step toward a healthier life. The screening locations have been strategically chosen to ensure accessibility for all residents, particularly those in underserved communities.

"Kaduna State is proud to be among the first states to launch this program, demonstrating our position as a leader in healthcare innovation in Nigeria.

"This program is not just about meeting healthcare targets; it's about saving lives, protecting families, and building a healthier, more prosperous Kaduna State.

"As I declare this program officially launched, let us remember that health is not merely the absence of disease, but a fundamental human right and the foundation upon which we build our dreams and aspirations. Together, we can create a healthier Kaduna State for all.

In a opening remarks, the permanent secretary of the state's ministry of health, Dr Aishatu Abubakar- Sadiq welcome all to the FIRST PHASE of the State wide Project to screen citizens for non-communicable diseases (Project 10 million).

She said the country is undergoing economic transition and an associated epidemiological transition as a consequence of development and changing lifestyles.

"These realities are existing in the presence of an ever growing population (est at over 10 million for Kaduna State).

" The ultimate outcome is now a double burden of diseases ¬Communicable (malaria, typhoid etc)and non-communicable which this screening exercise seeks to tackle.

"It is currently projected that by 2030 (which is only 6 years away) the burden of NCDs in Sub Saharan Africa will double. This is in a region still experiencing recurrent annual outbreaks of infectious diseases.

According to her,Non communicable diseases are now ranked as the leading causes of death globally with the four main ones ¬Cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases, cancer and diabetes accounting for 3 in 5 deaths.

" This implies an added burden on our limited financial resources and overburdened health workforce. This situation is further worsened by the rise in Poverty all over the country. As a vicious cycle exists where non communicable diseases and their risk factors worsen poverty, while poverty also contributes to rising rates of NCDs (UN summit political declaration of 2011).

"It is important to note that Premature deaths from NCDs can be prevented by changes in policies, modification of lifestyles, screening campaigns for early detection and active engagement not only in health, but in all sectors {which is why stakeholders from all relevant MDAs are present here today).

She said,as a group of diseases NCDs share risk factors such as tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy diets. Unfortunately all these risk factors though modifiable are worsened by stress and societal dissatisfaction, which pervade our current living conditions in country.

"Data shows alcohol misuse and tobacco use increase exponentially with increasing financial challenges (fuel subsidy removal).

" The situation outlined above, has informed the roll out of project 10 million by the Kaduna State Government in partnership with the leadership collaborative of Nigeria.

" Within the State we will screen citizens in all LGAs during the two phases of this project. Phase one which commences today will cover 12 LGAs in the 3 zones (4/\zone) with sites in markets, PHCs., institutions of learning, workplaces and Government offices.

LShe said early screening and detection reduces the cost of care and saves lives.

I urge citizens enrol in the existing health insurance scheme under the KADCHMA, to offset the cost of health care which can often be prohibitive.

Sadiq also said that the state over the past 10 years recorded an increase of over 20 percent in the number of DM, cancer and HTN cases reported from health facilities.

She said due to this the state government in partnership with the Pharmaceutical conglomerate SANOFI AVENTIS has set up 2 free/subsidized clinics for management of HTN and DM.

"These were set up for GAGH in March 2022 and YDMH in Nov 2022 and have provided service to patients.

"Thus far, a total of 3,172 citizens have accessed care, Of these, 666 are Diabetics, while 4,189 are hypertensives.

" The newly diagnosed cases are 268 for DM and 1,067 for hypertension. A ratio of 6.3 to 1 in favour of Hypertension.

" Though commendable, there is still a need to expand this coverage . Therefore the implementing partners have signed an updated MOU to provide care in 15 additional sites across the State. Hopefully it will serve as a starting point to improving access to subsidized/free management for rest of the population.

In a good will message on behalf of development partners, the Kaduna State Coordinator of World Health Organisation, Dr Ahmad Bello conveyed thier collective support for the Project 10 Million Free Screening for Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus.

He said the initiative reflects Kaduna State's dedication to strengthening healthcare and tackling the pressing health needs facing our communities today.

"Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension and diabetes mellitus, represent a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, contributing to approximately 27% of all annual deaths nationwide. Despite these rising numbers, awareness, early detection, and sustained management remain inadequate, underscoring the importance of today's gathering and this groundbreaking initiative.

"The Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum (NHCF), through Project 10 Million, has set a transformative goal: to screen and treat 10 million Nigerians, bringing vital health services closer to communities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

" This is a crucial step toward closing health gaps, as we aim to ensure that every new case is promptly confirmed and linked to treatment, and that existing cases receive the follow-up care they deserve.

"Our collaborative efforts today extend beyond immediate screening and care, as this project will enhance data collection on NCD prevalence, strengthen multi-sectoral partnerships, and contribute to the creation of lasting NCD registers in all states, including Kaduna.

He said the actions will inform policies, advance health planning, and ultimately improve the well-being of our people.

"WHO and its partners applaud the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, and the steadfast commitment of Kaduna State's health stakeholders, who continue to prioritize the health and well-being of every citizen. WHO and all partners here remain committed to providing ongoing support as Kaduna State moves forward in achieving healthier, more resilient communities." he said