World Stroke Day is annually observed across the globe on October 29 to raise public awareness of the serious nature and high rates of stroke and the preventative steps that can be taken.
World Stroke Day 2022 highlights the need to “Learn The Signs Of Stroke And Save #Precioustime”.
- The Precious Time campaign (2-year campaign: 2021-2022) aims to raise awareness about stroke symptoms and the benefits of acting FAST in the aftermath of a stroke.
Campaign:
World Stroke Day 2022 builds on the momentum of last year’s “Minutes Can Save Lives” campaign.
- This campaign aims to reinforce public awareness of 3 key symptoms of stroke, face drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulties.
Background:
i. World Stroke Day was established by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) at the World Stroke Congress which was held in Vancouver, Canada on 29th October 2004.
- In 2006, the annual event of World Stroke Day was started by the WSO.
- The WSO has also declared Stroke as a public health emergency in 2010.
ii. The 1st World Stroke Day was observed on 29th October 2006.
Stroke:
i. A Stroke occurs when something blocks the blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain burst.
- It can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
ii. The 2 types of Strokes are Ischemic stroke (occurs when the blood clots)and Hemorrhagic stroke (an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures).
Note:
i. Globally 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 will experience a stroke in their lifetime.
ii. 12.2 million people worldwide will have their first stroke this year and 6.5 million will die as a result.
iii. Over 110 million people in the world have experienced a stroke.
About the World Stroke Organization (WSO):
President- Marc Fisher
Executive Director- Mia Grupper
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Members- 3200 individual members spanning 92 countries
