Dr Tolulope Tolufase, the Vice President, Moole Charity Foundation, has attributed the increasing rate of killer diseases in the country to low awareness and lack of regular medical screening.
He said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
Tolufase advised the public to go for regular medical screening, especially on hypertension, diabetes and blood sugar.
He said that the organisation would provide periodic screening, counselling, sensitisation and appropriate referrals to health facilities.
Dr Olalekan Ogungbemi, the Founder of the foundation, said it recently provided free hypertension, diabetes and blood sugar test for residents of Abuja.
He said the event was entitled “Project Silent Killer” to create awareness on diseases that might lead to death.
“Constant check-ups and testing will afford people the opportunity to know their status so as to curtail the alarming rate of sudden deaths in the country.
“It is estimated that out of 10 Nigerians, eight are living with one killer disease, with less than two per cent of them aware of their status.
“That is why we hear a lot of sudden deaths currently in the country; the silent killers, include high blood pressure, diabetes, high and low sugar level, depression and obesity.
“We are determined to bring healthcare closer to the people, especially those at the grassroots,” he said.
Ogungbemi noted that people who tested positive to any of the ailments during the sensitisation were given appropriate referrals to different health facilities for further treatment.
He added that the foundation would continue to provide free and periodic medical screening for Nigerians so that numerous deaths arising from these killer ailments could be avoided. (NAN)