Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday inaugurated the Kwara Project 10million, a health initiative aimed at screening 196,913 residents of Kwara State for hypertension and diabetes.

The launch event, which took place at the State Banquet Hall, marks the beginning of the screening programme set to run from 27th October to 3rd November 2024.

Represented by Deputy Governor Mr. Kayode Alabi, Governor AbdulRazaq emphasised that hypertension and diabetes present urgent health challenges worldwide, significantly impacting local communities. He underscored the importance of offering a free screening initiative to address these silent health risks for Kwara’s residents.

Governor AbdulRazaq further noted that health is a fundamental right, and his administration remains committed to tackling these diseases by enhancing public access to essential health resources, enabling every citizen to lead a healthier life.

“Through this screening programme, we seek to raise awareness, offer free screening, and provide education on prevention and management” he explained.

He urged Kwarans to take advantage of this programme by participating in the exercise, adding that together, the cycle of ignorance and stigma surrounding these conditions can be broken as well as promoting a proactive approach to health.

Governor AbdulRazaq noted that in addition to this free screening initiative, it is imperative that healthier lifestyle changes be made, which includes eating healthy, regular exercise, and regular check-ups.

The Governor expressed gratitude to the healthcare professionals, community organizations, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring this initiative to life.

In her speech, First Lady of Kwara state and Founder Ajike Foundation, Amb. Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq stated that this initiative being launched on Tuesday underscores the commitment of the state government to the health of Kwarans.

She noted the importance of early detection and prompt treatment of diseases in order to prevent complications that may arise from late detection.

She charged residents of the state to prioritize their wellbeing by knowing their blood pressure and blood sugar count in order to avert the incidence of sudden death.

In her address, Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam explained that the Project Ten Million is an initiative of the Nigeria Health Commissioner’s Forum endorsed by the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, the Federal Ministry of Health and several development partners.

She added that the Project is aimed at screening 10 Million Nigerians for the two major and deadliest non-communicable diseases, hypertension and diabetes, across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Honorable Yakubu Salihu Danladi represented by Hon Abdulkareem Musa expressed joy over the initiative, pledging that all 24 members of the House will take the awareness to all their constituents so that they can all benefit from the project.

Chairman House Committee on Health and Environment, Hon. Razaq Owolabi lauded the administration of Governor AbdulRazaq for prioritizing the health of residents, assuring the full participation of the State House of Assembly to the wellbeing of the people of the state.

Development Partners and other stakeholders commended the intervention of the government of Kwara state aimed at improving the health of residents of the state, pledging their continued support to Kwara State.