Stakeholders lobby for fight against stroke
The Stroke Support Organisation Malawi (SSO-Malawi) has called for increased investment in specialised stroke services and rehabilitation, saying many Malawians still lack access to timely and affordable care despite progress in stroke management.
In a joint statement with the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome (MLW) Research Programme and the Malawi Stroke Unit at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), the organisation urged government to establish stroke units in referral hospitals, strengthen survivor support and invest in local research.
“Every minute counts, and acting quickly after a stroke can save brain cells, preserve function, reduce disability and save lives,” reads part of the statement issued as the organisations joined the global community in commemorating World Stroke Day.
The commemoration was held under the theme “Every Minute Counts”, highlighting the importance of stroke prevention, early recognition and prompt medical attention.
According to the statement, one in four people globally is expected to experience a stroke in their lifetime, while one in three Malawian adults lives with high blood pressure, often without knowing it.The organisations further noted that approximately 1.9 million brain cells die every minute after stroke onset, underscoring the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
SSO-Malawi works to raise stroke awareness, support survivors and their families, and advocate for improved services, while MLW and the Malawi Stroke Unit contribute through specialised care and research aimed at strengthening prevention and treatment.
The organisations said they would conduct stroke awareness campaigns throughout November, focusing on prevention and early recognition of warning signs.
They also acknowledged support from Lilongwe Handling Company (LIHACO) and appealed to other organisations to sponsor the initiative to extend its reach to more communities.
