Reaching 50,000 Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes screening in 3 days
Hypertension and diabetes are silent killers in Nigeria, responsible for about 27% of all annual deaths in the country. The probability of dying from these conditions stands at a staggering 17% for Nigerians between the ages of 30 and 70. These numbers alone highlight the urgent need for preventive action and public health awareness to tackle these life-threatening non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
However, many Nigerians are unaware of their health status and therefore are unable to take preventive measures and avoid health complications caused by these two conditions. To address this, the Nigerian Health Commissioners Forum (NHCF) embarked on a project to screen 10 million Nigerians across the country.
Our Solution:
With our existing network of interoperable pharmacies, we joined the NHCF to screen Nigerians, using our PharmacyOS, called Dispensary, which allows pharmacies facilitate and record encounters. We piloted in Ogun State with 17 pharmacies that provided sufficient testing centers across all the local governments in the urban areas, covering 60% of the urban areas.
To raise awareness for the project and encourage testing, we shared information in English and local dialects on three popular radio stations — Fresh FM (107.9), Sweet FM (107.1), and Splash FM (106.7) — as well as on Ogun State Television (OGTV). We also made it simpler for our online audience to find pharmacies in their communities through www.knowyournumbers.health and organised physical awareness within each pharmacy's community.
Directing people to pharmacies was just the first step. One major challenge we've observed is that many people struggle to find the time for testing. To address this, we organised screenings in popular markets, schools, and motor garages. During these sessions, we educated participants on the importance of knowing their numbers, suggested lifestyle changes where needed, and emphasised how affordable and convenient it is to get tested regularly at nearby pharmacies.
The Result:
Within 3 days, we reached 50,000 people for the screening and maintained a high-level of data collation via Dispensary. Through Care Specialists, we also provided immediate counseling and referrals for individuals with elevated health risks for ongoing care. However, there's still so much work to be done, and we need your help.
Your donation will help us expand our reach within and beyond Ogun State to communities across the country. Every contribution, no matter the amount, brings us closer to providing essential health services to those who need them most.
With just ₦1000, you can sponsor screenings for two people, enabling early detection and preventing potential health complications. As a result, you'll directly be contributing to reducing complications caused by hypertension and diabetes, making a lasting impact on lives.