13.8 million Lagos residents live with hypertension, diabetes and obesity

According to new Lagos State government data, about 13.8 million Lagos residents live with hypertension, diabetes and obesity.

Hypertension affects 8.67 million people, of which more than 6 million are unaware of it.

Obesity affects 3.48 million people, and diabetes affects 1.73 million people, half of whom are unaware and undiagnosed.

To tackle these silent killers, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has launched a state-wide free screening programme. The Federal Ministry of Health also plans to screen 10 million Nigerians for diabetes and hypertension from October 28 to November 3.

Understanding the silent killers

Prof. State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, during a recent presentation on Friday, said the campaign titled: “Know your numbers, control your numbers” will screen 800,000 Lagos residents within a week.

Abayomi emphasized the seriousness of what he called the “silent killers”: diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. These conditions often develop without noticeable symptoms, silently damaging vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and eyes. “Although they may seem benign at first glance, they can cause catastrophic health problems,” he warned.
He said this campaign represents a strong effort in the fight against high blood pressure and diabetes, which often go undiagnosed until serious complications arise. “I have urged residents to actively participate in the campaign to understand and manage their health.”

High prevalence rates

During his presentation, Prof. Abayomi explained that a significant portion of the city’s 30 million residents live with hypertension, diabetes and obesity, but many are still unaware of their dire situation.

“With a prevalence of hypertension of 30%, approximately 8.67 million people are affected, and worryingly, 70% of them are unaware of their status.
“Hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure, making this lack of awareness particularly dangerous,” he noted.
Obesity, a leading cause of both high blood pressure and diabetes, affects 3.48 million Lagos residents (about 12% of the population).

Prof. Abayomi cited the increase in sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits as exacerbating factors, with obesity increasing the risk of life-threatening diseases.

Diabetes risk and symptoms

Diabetes is another pressing health problem, with a prevalence rate of 6% among Lagosians, which translates to 1.73 million residents. Shockingly, approximately 50% of these individuals are unaware of their condition.

Abayomi warned that untreated diabetes can lead to serious complications, including blindness and cardiovascular disease.

He outlined common symptoms of diabetes, such as constant thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and slow-healing wounds. Hypertension often goes unnoticed until it presents with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or chest pain. “These silent killers could lead to serious health crises if left unchecked,” he warned.

To promote accessible healthcare, the Lagos State Government, through its Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, offers subscribers annual check-ups for hypertension and diabetes as part of the standard premium package.

“We aim to remove barriers to regular health checks,” Prof. Abayomi stated and emphasized that early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can mitigate long-term health problems.

During the campaign week, Lagosians are invited to visit any of the state’s 300 primary health centers and 30 general hospitals for free screenings. Tests for blood pressure, blood sugar and BMI calculations will be offered, helping citizens better understand and manage their health.

Recently, in August 2024, 14 African countries, including Nigeria, committed over $45 million in the World Health Organization WHO’s first-ever investment round to generate sustainable financing for key health initiatives, including the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension , diabetes and obesity.

Health experts have emphasized the importance of both medical checkups and lifestyle changes to combat these silent killers. “Exercise, reducing salt intake and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are crucial. Weight loss can also significantly lower blood pressure. For people diagnosed with hypertension, consistent medication use is essential to prevent complications.”