According to Leadership, the Kwara State government has set an ambitious target to screen 196,913 residents for non-communicable diseases across the state, as announced by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam.

Speaking from Ilorin, the state capital, Dr. El-Imam confirmed that the screening campaign will run from October 28 to November 3, 2024, aiming to identify and address health concerns among the population.

“The Ministry of Health will offer free screenings for these diseases at all the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) primary health facilities located in the 193 wards of the state and many of the secondary health centres,” she said.

El-Imam stated that trained healthcare professionals will measure blood pressure and blood sugar levels, offer personalised health advice and provide resources for further care.

“We shall also launch a public awareness initiative to educate everyone about the risk factors associated with hypertension and diabetes,” she said.

The Commissioner explained that the screening will address four non-communicable diseases wreaking havoc on the people, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, hypertension and diabetes.

El-Imam further disclosed that the screening exercise will be carried out across primary healthcare centres, religious houses and university campuses.