A stroke is said to occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and food. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.
A stroke is known as a medical emergency hence prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can minimise brain damage and potential complications.
As part of the collaborative action to prevent incidences of stroke, which is reportedly on the increase in recent times, especially among young men and women, a concerned non-governmental organisation, Stroke Action, has scheduled the third annual Nigeria Stroke Assembly to coincide with the World Stroke Day on October 29.
Stroke Action works with stroke survivors, their caregivers and at-risk individuals, and in a statement ahead of the Assembly said, it is an open access strategic advocacy conference, that would hold in Abuja.
The Stroke Assembly aims at promoting partnership amongst agencies, professional associations, health and social care professionals, NGOs representing people with disabilities, stroke survivors, their families and friends, to discuss the state of Nigeria stroke services, promote good practice in stroke care, and influence government policy decisions about stroke services development in the country.
According to the Chief Executive of the body, Rita Melifonwu, the Assembly will discuss issues pertaining to stroke and the female gender in line with this year’s global theme which is “Women and Strokes” because majority of stroke care givers and victims are women.
“One in five women is at risk for stroke, as opposed to one in six men; they also have higher mortality rate and worst stroke outcomes than men.
“Six in ten stroke deaths occur in women, largely due to stroke occurring later in life in women, when strokes are more dangerous,” she said.
She informed that the Stroke Assembly is designed to help eradicating stroke in Nigeria and improving outcomes for stroke survivors and their caregivers, through creating and sustaining awareness, forging partnerships and developing a sustainable stroke care policy in Nigeria.
“We exist primarily to address the rising challenge of stroke in our communities. Given that little or no information is available to people about this ailment, we want to raise the awareness level as much as possible. The more awareness we create, preventability and management rate will rise. This is why we anchor the Stroke Assembly,” she said.
She called on Nigerians to partner with Stroke Action Nigeria in its mission.
“We want individuals and corporate bodies in Nigeria to support us in our mission to stop stroke by coming together in unity to look for innovative ways to raise awareness of stroke and advocate better outcomes for stroke survivors and their caregivers in their communities, work places and faith groups”, she said.
Dr Biodun Ogungbo a Consultant Neurosurgeon and Clinical Director, Stroke Action Nigeria, highlighted that stroke has been identified as the third leading cause of death worldwide, and a major cause of death and neurological disability in Nigeria, accounting for 3.7 per cent of emergency admissions, 8.7 per cent of medical admissions, and 4.17 per cent of medical deaths.
He said that Stroke Action Nigeria has been working with volunteers who have been trained as Stroke Ambassadors to tackle this silent killer. A Community and Faith Groups Outreach programme for stroke awareness and primary prevention, which was developed in 2013 is already being implemented. This volunteer-led model of stroke advocacy addresses key areas such as awareness, stroke risk assessments, health checks for body mass index, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as stroke prevention advice and physical activity.
Last year, Stroke Action Nigeria collaborated with Volunteer Stroke Ambassadors to host the walk and run activity across seven states, including Anambra, Delta, Edo, Imo, Lagos, Ogun, and Abuja FCT.
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