Over 400 residents of the Nyanya community in Abuja recently benefited from a free health screening exercise, an initiative spearheaded by the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP), FCT Zone, in collaboration with MegaLife Sciences Limited. The event took place at the Nyanya General Hospital and formed part of activities commemorating World Diabetes Day 2025, themed “Diabetes Across Life Stages.”

Dr. Abubakar Danraka, the Zonal Coordinator of WAPCP, Abuja Zone, highlighted the college's tradition of observing World Diabetes Day annually through free screenings in various communities across the Federal Capital Territory. He emphasized the importance of regular health checks, noting that diabetes is often a 'silent disease' with subtle symptoms that can go unnoticed for years. Dr. Danraka also pointed out that these screenings provide substantial financial relief to participants, saving an estimated N10,000 to N15,000 per individual, which would otherwise be spent on consultations, tests, and counselling.

Adding to the discussion, Dr. Kayode Okeji, Zonal Secretary of WAPCP (FCT Zone), explained that common diabetes symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and increased appetite often go unrecognised until complications develop. In response, WAPCP strongly encouraged Nigerians to embrace healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise, weight management, and a balanced diet. Such proactive measures are crucial for reducing the risk of developing diabetes and other related non-communicable diseases.