By Chioma Umeha
World Stroke Day provides an opportunity for the Global Stroke Community to increase awareness of the serious nature and high rates of stroke, and talk about reducing the burden of strokes through better public awareness of risk factors.
It is also an opportunity to advocate for action by decision makers that are essential to improve stroke prevention, access to acute treatment and support for survivors and caregivers.
The focus for World Stroke Day 2022 is raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of strokes, and the need for timely access to quality stroke treatment. The specific World Stroke Day Theme is #Save Precious Time#
Globally, one in four of persons will have a stroke in our lifetime and this number has increased 50 percent over the last 17 years. In 2019, 63 percent of strokes happened in people younger than 70 years. Stroke is no longer a disease of the elderly, it can happen to anyone, anywhere, and anytime. 89 percent of the global stroke deaths, and disability Combined, reside in low to middle income countries.
Around the world, there Are 12.2 Million new strokes per year one every 3 seconds, and every year 6.5 million people will die as a result.
Stroke happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted either by a clot or by a bleed which causes surrounding brain tissue to die. Damage to the brain means that stroke survivors can be left with disabilities and impairments that affect how they move, speak, think, and feel.
According to a statement signed by Rita Melifonwu, Chief executive, Founder/ Chief Executive Officer of Stroke Action, “Knowing the signs of stroke is critical. Minutes can save lives, speech, mobility, and independence. If you spot – face drooping, weak arm, and speech difficulties dial the emergency telephone number 112 immediately (FAST Awareness).
“Everyone stands to benefit from better community awareness of stroke. This is why we are working with the World Stroke Organisation to deliver their Minutes Save Lives and Saving #Precious Lives campaign. We are proud to be part of the World Stroke Day Global activities on Saturday, October 29, 2022.”