World Stroke Day 2024: All hands must be on deck for stroke prevention and treatment
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World Stroke Day 2024: All hands must be on deck for stroke prevention and treatment
The Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development-Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana NCD Alliance, and the Stroke Association Support Network has commemorated this year’s World Stroke Day.
The 2024 commemoration on the theme: “Stroke: Know the Risks, Act Fast” emphasized the urgent need for education, prevention, and timely action to minimize risks associated with strokes, especially within the context of Ghana.
A joint statement issued by Mr Labram M. Musah, Executive Director, Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development-Ghana/National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance called on the Ghanaian government, healthcare providers, and civil society to take decisive steps toward stroke prevention and management.
“As we observe World Stroke Day 2024, let us commit ourselves as a nation to raising awareness, improving healthcare access, and promoting healthy lifestyles to combat the increasing prevalence of strokes in Ghana.
“Together, we can foster a society where individuals are informed and equipped to recognize strokes early and take preventative measures through healthy living,” the statement said.
It stated that stroke had emerged as a significant health crisis in Ghana, contributing notably to the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“According to recent studies, stroke accounts for approximately 15 per cent of hospital admissions and 16 per cent of deaths annually in the country, with increasing incidents among younger adults due to rising risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, unhealthy lifestyle choices including tobacco and alcohol use, and the effects of urbanization,” the stated said.
It noted that many Ghanaians remain unaware of key risk factors and early warning symptoms of stroke and that education on recognizing symptoms like sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, and severe headache is crucial for timely treatment.
Additionally, access to quality healthcare services, particularly emergency care in rural areas and factors such as transportation challenges, inadequate facilities, and a shortage of healthcare professionals further exacerbate the issue, the statement further observed.
“It is also important to note that risk factors, including high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity, aggravate stroke prevalence. Public health initiatives promoting healthier lifestyles and routine health screenings are essential for prevention,” it said.
The statement called on the public to avoid stigma surrounding stroke because it could deter individuals from seeking prompt medical care and that the illness needed serious medical emergency.
It said there was the need for the establishment of comprehensive rehabilitation programmes focused on physical, occupational, and speech therapy to support stroke survivors.
Mr Ad Adams Ebenezer, the Executive Director, Stroke Association Support Network, said it was essential for government to take action to make rehabilitation accessible and affordable for persons living with stroke to reduce the out-of-pocket payments when seeking care.
Source: GNA
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