The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), has launched a health initiative to address the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Abuja.
During the flag-off of “Project 10 Million,” which aims to screen 250,000 residents across 200 communities, HSES Mandate Secretary Adedolapo Fasawe highlighted the administration’s commitment to providing vulnerable and low-income residents with free screenings and treatments over a four-week period.
Fasawe pointed out that high blood pressure affects one in 27 Nigerians, with the North Central region carrying the highest burden.
She said many affected individuals are unaware of their condition, which can lead to sudden complications and even unexpected deaths.
She further emphasized that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has been proactive in addressing healthcare challenges for residents, introducing several initiatives prior to Project 10 Million.
The project is funded by the Committee of Health Commissioners, with support from the Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Affirming the unwavering commitment of the Wike-led FCTA to accessible and affordable healthcare services, Fasawe said, “With Project 10 Million, the FCTA aims to set a new benchmark in community-centred healthcare by promoting preventive care and reaching underserved populations across Abuja.
“Healthcare delivery in the FCT has significantly improved under Minister Wike, as evidenced by reports from the screened civil servants.
Working under Wike’s leadership emphasizes an active lifestyle, helping to reduce the risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases.”
She said the FCT had a similar program to Project 10 Million that has been ongoing, “We had the medical palliative program whereby we gave people medicines for free for whatever their ailment is, for one month, so that the money they would have used to buy medicines they will use for other things
“We encourage registration on the Health Insurance scheme whereby a token is paid to access free health care services for the year, while those considered vulnerable poor are registered for free”.
She explained the motivation behind the Project 10 Million initiative, saying, “We started noticing that more people are slumping and dying with the rate of non-communicable diseases (NDCs) going high.
