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Beat NCDs Zim Calls for Greater Awareness of Stroke Prevention

By Jacob Ngwenya

Statistics produced by the World Stroke Organization show that Stroke is a leading cause of death and devastating disability. One in 4 adults over 25 are estimated to have a stroke in their lifetime. Every 3 seconds, someone, somewhere, is struck by a stroke. It means over 12 million people suffer from stroke each year; of these 6.5 million will die. 

For the stroke survivors, the effects can be devastating. Families are shattered, lives changed forever, and yet, stroke remains a silent epidemic that desperately needs a louder voice.

Hope is available, since 90percent of strokes can be prevented. By addressing a handful of manageable risk factors (physical inactivity being one of the top stroke risks) and increased public awareness we can be #GreaterThan stroke. In 2023, #GreaterThan Stroke campaign was launched

Harnessing the power of sport to be #GreaterThan stroke In 2024 World Stroke Day Campaign remains firmly focused on stroke prevention. Throughout September and October, the stroke community was harnessing the power of sport to raise awareness and drive action on stroke prevention. Everyone was encouraged to sign up to #GreaterThan Stroke challenge to get more active and raise stroke awareness in their wider communities.

During this period stories of stroke game changers from stroke survivors who have used physical activity to power their recovery, to healthcare teams who race against the clock every day to save lives from stroke and then push themselves on the road, the track, or the pitch. 

Zimbabwe NCDs Action Network, an initiative created by people living with NCDs(stroke included) are worried about the deafening silence from government and some health partners when it comes to issues related to stroke.

Information on stroke prevention must be readily available in all forms, to help reduce stroke since 90% of strokes are preventable by implementing some simple lifestyle changes.

We also call for the establishment of more stroke units in the country’s hospitals to ensure better stroke treatment outcomes. 

Stroke rehabilitation is a nightmare for stroke survivors in Zimbabwe who despite having their lives changed by stroke for the worst case scenario. Upon discharge from hospital the lucky ones attend rehabilitation as out-patients for a short wile and get discharged from the out-patient department as well. Only those with resources engage the therapists privately to conduct sessions in their homes. Those who can’t afford are left in the eyes of preventable worst case scenario which is severe disability or death. 

Stroke impacts on the survivors and their caregivers’ mental health. Caregivers connect stroke survivors with the community and the outer world hence the knock on their mental health. Mental health for survivors must be taken care of continuously for better treatment outcomes.

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