Today is World Stroke Day. This day, established by the World Stroke Organization (WSO), takes place every year to increase global awareness about stroke and provide a global platform for the stroke community to drive action on stroke worldwide.
Stroke is the second biggest killer in the world. It is estimated that 15 million people worldwide will have a stroke this year, and 6.5 million will die as a result.
This day represents the importance of increasing awareness of the serious nature and high rates of stroke and discussing strategies and measures that can help reduce its burden.
A recent survey by WSO and the World Health Organization reports that only 35% of hospitals worldwide provide life-saving stroke treatment. WSO is calling for urgent improvement in access to treatment and for hospitals to prioritise the development of stroke units, urgent training of non-specialist doctors, and better utilisation of telemedicine and free online education resources to widen the pool of trained professionals. WSO is also encouraging donors, industry, pharmaceutical companies and governments to prioritise stroke care units.
Every second is crucial when somebody has a stroke. Our brain tissue has millions of neutrons that begin to fade away, and time is of the essence. It is thus important to learn the signs of a stroke and save #Precioustime.
World Stroke Day provides the opportunity to advocate for action by decision-makers at a global, regional, and national level to improve stroke prevention and increase access to acute treatment and support for stroke survivors and caregivers. Several events will take place on this day across the globe, from panel events to seminars and press meets.
The World Stroke Organization’s campaign for 2021 and 2021 will be focused on raising awareness of the signs of stroke and will emphasise the need for timely access to quality stroke treatment.
Source: World Stroke Organization
Image Credit: HealthManagement.org
