LAGOS FLAGS OFF FREE SCREENING FOR CANCER, HYPERTENSION, DIABETES

Lagos State Government will on Monday November 25th to Friday November 29th, 2013 begin integrated free health screening for hypertension, diabetes as well as breast, cervix and prostate cancer under its first state wide wellness health week.

Special Adviser to the State Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina who disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos noted that the rationale for embarking on the screening programme cannot be overemphasized in view of the danger to health and economic loss, hypertension, diabetes and cancer pose to both individuals and government.

“These diseases including sickle cell anaemia, mental illnesses, injuries and accidents amongst others constitute a major component of what is generally referred to as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) regarded as chronic conditions that do not result from acute infectious process. These conditions cause death, dysfunction or impairment in the quality of life and they usually develop over relatively long periods”.

Adeshina explained that the diseases result from prolonged exposure to causative agents, many of which is associated with personal behaviours and environmental factors stressing that they are the leading cause of functionary impairment and death worldwide.

“These diseases are by far the leading cause of mortality in the world, representing 60% of all deaths. By year 2020, it is predicted that non communicable diseases will be causing seven out of every 10 deaths in developing countries”, the Special Adviser added.

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“The goal of this programme is to detect early asymptomatic and undiagnosed clients with NCDs and to prevent complications through prompt, effective treatment and referral of diagnosed cases. Following the continuous and sustainable sensitization and public enlightenment of the entire populace of these diseases, it is expected that the turnout would increase considerably.

“The screening for hypertension and diabetes will take place concurrently in the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs using screening sites selected in the LGAs and LCDAs while screening for cancers of the breast, cervix and prostate will take place in one LGA per senatorial districts, that is; Alimosho, Lagos Island and Shomolu with their respective LCDAs to be covered. This is scheduled to hold from Monday 25th to Friday 29th November, 2013 between the hours of 8am and 4pm daily”, she said.

The Special Adviser appealed to men and women who are 18 years and above resident in the state to take advantage of the opportunity the programme presents to benefit from the free screening adding that it is her sincere hope that through the programme, significant reduction in the morbidity and mortality occasioned by NCDs would be achieved in the short term and sustained in the long term.