World Stroke Day – Tuesday, 29 October 2024

World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 to underscore the serious nature and high rates of stroke, raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition, and ensure better care and support for survivors. On this day, organizations around the world have facilitated events emphasizing education, testing, and initiatives to improve the damaging effects of stroke worldwide. The annual event was started in 2006 by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) and the WSO declared stroke a public health emergency in 2010. The WSO now has an ongoing campaign that serves as a year-round interface for advocacy, policy, and outreach to support strides and continue progress made on World Stroke Day.

History

Stroke has been and continues to be a widespread disease worldwide, it is currently the single largest cause of disability and the second largest cause of death globally. In 2016 alone, stroke was responsible for 116 million days of life lost to death and disability. The individual lifetime risk of stroke is currently 1 in 4.

The idea to create a day of awareness began in the 1990s with the European Stroke Initiative. Due to financial limitations, however, the effort was limited only to Europe. The European Stroke Organization continued the project, and celebrates its awareness day on May 10.

WSO World Stroke Day on October 29 was established in 2004 at the World Stroke Congress in Vancouver, Canada. Under the direction of Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, a working group was formed, which was incorporated into a World Stroke Proclamation in October 2006. Around the same time, the International Stroke Society and the World Stroke Federation merged to form the World Stroke Organization, which took over the management of World Stroke Day.

In 2009, WSO leadership moved from a focus on a single awareness day, to a year-round campaign to build a more sustained approach to public awareness of key issues in stroke recognition and prevention and treatment. World Stroke Day continues to provide a focal point for the campaign with biennial themes which seek to draw attention to key issues in stroke prevention and treatment.

Global Statistics:

• Stroke is uncommon in individuals under the age of 40 and when it does occur, it is primarily due to high blood pressure (World Health Organisation, 2023).
• The World Stroke Organisation reports that 1 in 4 people will suffer a stroke, with one occurring every 3 seconds globally. Although 90 percent of strokes can be prevented, it is estimated that every 4 minutes someone dies from a stroke (World Stroke Organisation, 2019).
• Each person can reduce the chances of having a stroke by following a healthier lifestyle and recognising their personal risk factors.
• Stroke is further the leading cause of disability globally, affecting approximately 15 million people annually. Approximately 25% of strokes occur in individuals under the age of 65 and about one-third of stroke survivors are left with permanent disabilities.
• Recurrent strokes are common among stroke survivors, with approximately 25% of individuals who recover from their first stroke experiencing another within 5 years.
• The prevalence of stroke can be reduced, with up to 90% of strokes being preventable. By addressing key risk factors such as hypertension, diet, smoking and a lack of exercise, many strokes can be effectively prevented.