FCTA launches “Know Your Number, Control Your Number” medical campaign

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched the “Know Your Number, Control Your Number” campaign to increase health awareness on prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

The campaign is designed to help individuals monitor their vital health metrics, such as blood pressure and blood sugar, particularly in light of the high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in the country.

At the campaign launch, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), stressed the importance of tracking the “numbers”.

She noted how hypertension and diabetes, often termed silent killers, can remain undetected until they cause severe complications.

She added that many residents were unaware of their health risks, particularly if they have family history of hypertension or diabetes, which increase their chances of developing diseases.

Fasawe said that the administration’s target was to screen 250,000 residents.

To make it easier, she said, the FCTA has set up mobile screening booths across the territory, including workplaces, markets and public areas.

She explained that “in addition to regular testing, residents will receive guidance on managing and reducing health risks, making lifestyle adjustments to prevent these silent killers from impacting their lives.

“The programme aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at improving access to healthcare, fostering healthy communities and contributing to the nation’s development by enhancing individual well-being.”

She said that the campaign, referred to as “10 Million Project”, is an initiative of the Committee of Health Commissioners, supported by the Governor’s Forum and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The campaign, which would run in the FCT from Wednesday to Nov. 6, was born out of the need to address communicable diseases.

She said “we started noticing that more people were slumping and dying. The rate of NCDs is getting high and we were focusing a lot on HIV, malaria and tuberculosis.

“All of a sudden, younger people are dropping dead, older people who are otherwise well in the morning will slump in the afternoon.

“At post-mortem, we realised that people had undiagnosed heart diseases, complication of untreated hypertension.”

Fasawe, however, said that hypertension and diabetes are treatable diseases if diagnosed early.

“Treatable in the sense that if you adhere to doctor’s instructions and take your medications, you will live a normal life,” she said.

The mandate secretary also said that beyond the health screenings, the FCTA was taking steps to ensure the programme’s sustainability.

According to her, following the screening, vulnerable residents who are unable to afford treatment, will be enrolled into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme for free, covering consultation, medications, lab tests and even surgical procedures if needed.