World Diabetes Day: Lagos partners Health Matters Inc. for free screenings, awareness walk

…reaffirms commitment to public health and diabetes prevention

In honor of World Diabetes Day, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Health Matters Incorporated, hosted a Global Diabetes Walk and free diabetes screening exercise at the Lagos State Government Secretariat in Alausa.

Public servants and other participants joined in a symbolic walk through the Secretariat to raise awareness of diabetes and its impact on health, while also benefiting from free screenings to assess their diabetes risk.

Under the theme “Diabetes and Well-being,” the event focused on enhancing public understanding of diabetes and the importance of lifestyle changes in its prevention.

Addressing attendees, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing diabetes prevalence through proactive health initiatives.

“We are here to bridge gaps in diabetes awareness and prevention. While some risk factors are beyond our control, like genetics and age, others can be modified. Our goal is to empower Lagosians with knowledge on managing their health,” he stated.

Dr. Ogboye, represented by Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, Director of Disease Control, emphasized the importance of regular exercise, healthy eating, and avoiding smoking and alcohol as ways to reduce diabetes risk.

Dr. Ogboye announced a partnership with the Nigeria Governors Forum to provide free diabetes and hypertension screenings at 330 public health facilities across Lagos.

“This initiative ensures that every Lagosian has access to early detection and the resources needed for a healthier life,” he said, urging residents to participate in the screenings and to encourage family and friends to do the same.

Speaking on the importance of awareness, Dr. Peter Ujomu, Executive Director of Health Matters Incorporated, expressed gratitude for the government collaboration, stating, “We are excited to deepen our work with the state this year. Our goal is to reach communities across Lagos with screenings, education, and resources.”

Ujomu further shared that Health Matters Incorporated, in partnership with the Health Strategy Development Foundation (HSDF), would extend the diabetes awareness campaign to 50 primary healthcare centers across 13 local government areas.