By Nnamdi Ojiego
LAGOS—Lagos State Government  is set to commence the ninth round of the free state-wide screening exercise for what it described as killer diseases namely, Hypertension and Diabetes.

The exercise is scheduled to hold between April 10-16 in all the local governments  and local development areas.

Briefing newsmen at the state secretariat, Alausa, weekend,  Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina said the rationale for embarking on the programme could not be overemphasized in view of the danger the killer diseases posed to individuals and governments alike.

She said that many people have the diseases, especially hypertension without  knowing it; hence the name ‘silent killer.’

According to Adeshina, hypertension and diabetes constitute a major component of what is generally referred as Non-Communicable Diseases, NCDs, even as she said that they are the leading cause of functionary impairment and death worldwide.

“These diseases are by far, the leading cause of mortality in the world representing 60% of all deaths. By 20202, it is predicted that NCDs will be causing seven out of every 10 deaths in developing countries. These are more expensive to treat although generally preventable if early detection is initiated.”

She said the government was embarking on the project to detect early asymptomatic/ undiagnosed cases especially those at high risk as well as to prevent complications through prompt and effective treatment of diagnosed cases.