Celebration of the World Stroke Day 2022

• admin
• 06 Comment

Celebration of the World Stroke Day 2022

Rwanda joined the rest of the world on Friday, October 28, 2022, to commemorate World Stroke Day under the theme "Minutes can save lives." The celebration event was organized by Stroke Action Rwanda (SAR) in collaboration with Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Rwanda Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (RNCDA), Private sector Federation (PSF). 

The day was an opportunity to raise awareness of the serious nature and high rates of stroke and talk about ways in which we can reduce the burden of stroke through better public awareness of the risk factors and signs of stroke, FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time) and the need for timely access to quality stroke treatment. It was also an opportunity to advocate for actions by decision-makers at the national level that are essential to improve stroke prevention, access to acute treatment and support for survivors and caregivers.

The day was marked by a presentation on the private sector engagement, key facts about stroke in Rwanda, Video on minutes can save lives by World Stroke Organization (WSO), Testimonies of stroke survivors, keynotes from distinguished officials, as well as NCD-risk factors screening to all participants. 

The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) applauded the Private Sector Federation (PSF) pledge to integrate Non-Communicable Diseases prevention and care in private companies and strengthen NCD awareness campaigns for early detection, as it complements the Workplace Wellness Program, which was designed by the Ministry of Health/Rwanda Biomedical Centre and partners, including Rwanda NCD Alliance to support healthy behavior in the workplace and improve health outcomes. The programme is an integral strategy for making employees happier and healthier, which will ultimately improve the productivity of institutions.