Representatives of Local Government Health Authorities have been advised to monitor the distribution of glucometer and test strips in their various local governments to ensure the success of the exercise.
The Executive Director, Kogi State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Dr. Muazu Omeiza Musa gave the advice at the flag-off of free blood sugar Testing and distribution of Glucometers at the Old Market Primary Healthcare Centre in Lokoja.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung diseases, are the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for 74% of all deaths.
Flag-off initiatives for NCD prevention and control often focus on the following key areas which include Campaigns targeting the five major behavioral risk factors which are tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, and air pollution.
NCD Programs are launched to increase access to screenings for hypertension, blood glucose, and cancer, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where 77% of NCD deaths occur.
Speaking at the flag-off, Dr. Muazu Omeiza Musa said the Agency expects quality data from Local Government Areas at the end of the exercise noting that it will help the state plan better to achieve a wider coverage in subsequent interventions.
He expressed hope that they will make good use of the devices strictly for the purpose intended in the best interest of the people.
Dr. Muazu Omeiza Musa stated that each LGA is expected to carry out massive screening at the health facilities for individuals while those with high number (diabetic) are given free devices for self-monitoring at home stressing that it will go a long way in reducing the financial burden on the people and increase access to care.
He said for effective implementation, 252 PHC comprising the 239 BHCPF-supported facilities and other selected high volume patient flow PHCs spread across all the wards in the State participated in the exercise.
According to him, it is important to note that the distribution of the testing devices (glucometer/strips) to the participating PHC is already ongoing stressing that there is also provision for free glucometers and test strips for those with high value.
The Executive Director thanked the Federal Ministry of Health for supporting the efforts of the health friendly Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo who has invested massively in the health sector in addition to providing a secure environment for effective health service delivery in the state and appreciated the Honourable Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza for ensuring the commodities were conveyed from Abuja to the state in record time.
He appealed to health workers that will be doing the screening to ensure the put in their best in the course of the assignment
Speaking at the flag-off, the Kogi State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Momoh Steven Aziz said the distribution is not about equipments, saying it is about saving lives, reducing complications and strengthening the Primary Health care systems.
Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, diabetes remains a growing public health challenge contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality and economic burden on families and the health system noting that many of its complications can be prevented through early detection, regular monitoring and timely intervention but however regretted that lack of access to basic diagnostic tools such as glucometer has continued to hinder effective community level screening and management.
In her remark, the None Communicable Disease Desk Officer of the Kogi State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Mrs. Ojotule Iko-Ojo said the event marks a significant milestone in the collective efforts to address the rising burden of None Communicable Diseases particularly diabetes often progressing without symptoms until serious complications arise.
According to her, the exercise demonstrates the strong commitment of the state governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Kogi State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza and the workerholic Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Dr. Muazu Omeiza Musa to preventing and promoting health care by bringing free screening services closer to the people and providing glucometer to the PHCs across the state.
She urged beneficiaries to use the glucometers responsibly and consistently, encouraging that monitoring blood sugar regularly, adhering to medical advice, maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity and attending routine clinic visits are essential steps in preventing complications associated with diabetes.
The Desk Officer encouraged the community to embrace regular health screening even when they feel healthy stressing that early detection saves lives and reduces the cost and burden of treatment.
A patient who was screened and claimed anonymous, thanked the state government for helping the community with the test strips, promising to always be proactive at all times.
The one day flag-off ceremony witnessed the distribution of glucometer to the LGSs and free blood sugar Testing with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Momoh Steven Aziz.
Joseph Adama
Information Officer
KSPHCDA
