Nipping 'Silent Killer' Diseases In The BudNipping 'Silent Killer' Diseases In The BudThe increased incidence of sudden death especially among young people in the productive age range of 35years; the significant correlation between hypertension and diabetes on one hand and end stage renal diseases (renal failure), stroke, heart failure, and heart attack on the other hand with resultant high morbidity and mortality; and inadequate knowledge/awareness of the symptoms, signs and effects of untreated hypertension and diabetes, are enough reasons for any serious government that cares about the good health of its citizens to be worried.
More importantly, the asymptomatic nature of hypertension and diabetes both of which are potentially fatal in outcome, should be a source of concern for all. This is why the ongoing 4th round of the free state-wide screening exercise for diabetes and hypertension which started on Monday, 25th 2008 and to end tomorrow, Friday, 29th August, 2008, is quite commendable.
In order to effectively address the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Lagos State, the state government has developed a comprehensive strategy comprising of six components, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris has disclosed.
Idris who stated this recently on the State government's preparation for the free screening, said that the six components of the comprehensive strategy include the establishment of both the Lagos State Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Surveillance system and a community-based prevention intervention scheme; the establishment of an inter-ministerial sub-committee on Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention; enactment of the Lagos State Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Policy; development and dissemination of clinical guideline for screening, prevention, and management of diabetes, hypertension and cancer especially breast, cervical and prostate; and awareness creation, detection and management.
Represented by his Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aderemi Desalu, the Commissioner explained that the asymptomatic nature of hypertension and diabetes both of which are potentially fatal in outcome informed government's decision to adopt the strategy adding that many people have the diseases, especially hypertension, without remotely knowing they have it, hence the disease is usually referred to as the silent killer.
He added that 'The over all goal of the comprehensive strategy adopted by the state government on the prevention and control of the Non-Communicable Diseases in the state is to detect early asymptomatic/undiagnosed cases especially those at high risk as well as to prevent complications through the prompt and effective treatment of diagnosed cases”, Idris stated.
Findings from the 3rd round of the screening exercise held between May 19th and 23rd, revealed that a total of 50,598 people were screened with about 2/3 or 61.7% being female and 38.3% males out of which 4.2% were found to be diabetic and 17% hypertensive; 13.3% of those screened were referred for further investigation and treatment.
Majority of those found to be hypertensive, Idris noted, were in the age range of 41-60 years with a corresponding bracket for diabetes being 61-80 years He pointed out that following the continuous and sustainable sensitization and public enlightenment of the entire state populace and the involvement of three other social clubs including Apapa Club, Eko Club and Lagos Country Club, it is anticipated that subsequent turnouts would increase considerably hence government has put in place adequate measures as follow-up plan for the implementation and sustenance of the programme.
This is calling on those who have not avail themselves of this opportunity to do so as they still have today and tomorrow. Also, government should not make this laudable initiative a once in a while event. Lagosians are yearning for more. In addition, other state governments should take cue from this.
In contemporary times, developing countries of which Nigeria and indeed Lagos State form a part, are undergoing a major demographic and epidemiological transition, with significant increase in the burden of injuries and non-communicable diseases. As the saying goes; prevention is better than cure, Dr Idris also posited that this transition will, of necessity, re-orient demand for health services and increase pressures for improving disease prevention and health promoting strategies in health care adding that Lagos State being the commercial nerve center of Nigeria, has peculiar environmental and other risk factors that predispose residents to non-communicable diseases.
Common risk factors include obesity, excessive alcohol intake, heredity, diet (heavy intake of saturated fat, salt, cholesterol and calories), smoking, age (especially over 45 years), inactive lifestyle and lack of access to preventive health services. Let us all take preventive measures most of the time, by doing general medical check up, even though we might be feeling 'well'.
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