World Stroke Day is annually observed across the globe on 29 October to raise awareness of the serious nature and high rates of stroke, and the effective treatment options available to drive action on stroke prevention.
- The theme for World Stroke Day 2023, designated by the World Stroke Organisation (WSO), is ‘Together we are #GreaterThan Stroke.’
The theme focused on uniting members, partners, and stakeholders worldwide together to spread crucial information regarding stroke prevention.
Background:
i.The World Stroke Congress in Vancouver, Canada, in 2004 established World Stroke Day, which falls on October 29.
- Dr. Vladimir Hachinski led the formation of a working group, which in October 2006 became a World Stroke Proclamation.
- In 2006, WSO was formed by the merger of International Stroke Society (ISS) and the World Stroke Federation (WSF).
ii.The first World Stroke Day was observed on 29th October 2006.
World Stroke Day Campaign 2023:
i.Along with a focus on stroke prevention, and symptom awareness, the World Stroke Day Campaign aims to ensure better care and support for survivors.
ii.World Stroke Day 2023’s ‘Be #GreaterThan Stroke’ campaign emphasises prevention, prioritises health checks to manage major stroke risk factors including:Hypertension; Smoking; Atrial fibrillation; Cholesterol; & Diabetes
About Stroke:
i.A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
ii.It can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
Types of stroke: There are 2 main types of stroke, ischemic and haemorrhagic.
- Ischemic strokes: They occur as a result of an obstruction in a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain.
- Hemorrhagic strokes: They happen when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain.
Key Facts:
i.Stroke is the second leading cause of disability worldwide and each year over 12 million people have strokes. Up to 90% of strokes are preventable.
ii.Globally, women account for just over half (56%) of all persons who have experienced a stroke.
iii.Globally, there are over 77 million people currently living who have experienced ischaemic stroke.
- The global age-standardized incidence rate of ischemic stroke was projected to increase to 89.32 per 100,000 population in 2030.
About World Stroke Organisation (WSO):
President– Sheila Martins (Brazil)
President-Elect– Jeyaraj Pandian (India)
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
