The Federal Government has launched an ambitious nationwide diabetes screening program in partnership with Colexa Biosensor Ltd, Nigeria's pioneer manufacturer of blood glucose monitoring systems. The initiative officially commenced yesterday in the North-Central geopolitical zone, marking a significant step in addressing one of Nigeria's fastest-growing health challenges.
Comprehensive National Health Initiative
The program began with intensive training of government health officials across primary healthcare centers (PHCs), establishing the foundation for what promises to be one of the largest diabetes awareness campaigns in Nigeria's history. The screening exercise aims to reach an impressive five million Nigerians across all 774 Local Government Areas, representing a massive scaling up of diabetes detection efforts nationwide.
As part of this comprehensive initiative, the Federal Government will distribute over 77,000 units of the locally manufactured OnPoint Blood Glucose Monitoring System, produced by Colexa Biosensor in Lagos. These devices will be provided free of charge to individuals diagnosed with diabetes during the screening process. Additionally, each participating primary healthcare center will receive diagnostic and monitoring equipment to support ongoing community-level diabetes care and management.
Strengthening Local Healthcare Capacity
Dr. Alayo Sopekan, National Desk Officer for Diabetes at the Federal Ministry of Health, emphasized the critical nature of this intervention. He described diabetes as one of the fastest-growing health burdens in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for early detection and consistent monitoring to prevent complications and reduce the disease's impact on Nigerian families and the healthcare system.
Kingsley Aguoru, Managing Director of Colexa Biosensor, expressed pride in the partnership, noting that it reflects the Federal Government's confidence in local manufacturing capabilities. 'This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable diagnostic tools that can improve early detection and long-term management of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases across Nigeria,' Aguoru stated.
Broader Healthcare Impact and Parallel Initiatives
The diabetes screening program aligns with the Federal Government's broader medical relief agenda, which focuses on reducing the cost of essential health commodities, improving affordability, and strengthening diagnostic services nationwide. Training and screening activities will continue to roll out across all six geo-political zones in the coming weeks, ensuring comprehensive national coverage.
In a related development, the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has announced the commencement of its statewide free HIV Testing services, scheduled to run from November 18 to December 1, 2025. This initiative forms a major component of activities lined up for the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration and reinforces LSACA's commitment to expanding access to HIV testing, promoting early diagnosis, and strengthening linkage to care.
Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, emphasized the critical role of early testing in advancing the state's public health objectives. The Agency aims to close existing testing gaps while deepening community awareness on HIV prevention, management, and stigma reduction, creating a comprehensive approach to addressing multiple health challenges simultaneously.
