Kaduna targets 500k residents in free health screening programme

The Kaduna government has launched a free medical screening programme for 500,000 residents in a bid to combat non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the state.

Uba Sani, governor of the state, disclosed this on Monday, at the official launch of the ‘Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number’.

Sani, who was represented by Hadiza Balarabe, the deputy governor, said the programme is aimed at tackling the prevalence of NCDs in the country.

“What sets this programme apart is its comprehensive nature. Beyond just screening, we are providing: health education on major NCDs, blood pressure measurement, blood glucose testing, immediate counselling and referral services, and data collection to inform future health policies,” the governor said.

“We recognise 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.”

Sani explained that these NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension account for 27 percent of deaths annually, which is about 447,800 lives lost yearly across the country.

He said the approach is both strategic and inclusive, covering all three senatorial zones of the state through designated screening locations like primary healthcare centres, general hospitals, markets, motor parks, higher institutions, and government offices.

The governor urged the people of the state to take full advantage of the programme.

“This programme aligns perfectly with our SUSTAIN Agenda and our commitment to human capital development,” Sani added.

“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. 

“Kaduna state is proud to be among the first states to launch this programme, demonstrating our position as a leader in healthcare innovation in Nigeria.”

Ahmad Bello, representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), noted that the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum (NHCF), through Project 10 Million, will screen and treat 10 million Nigerians to bring vital health services closer to communities across the country.

“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,” Bello said.

“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.

“Together, these actions will inform policies, advance health planning, and ultimately improve the well-being of our people.”