World Stroke Day 2024: Ghana Urged to Prioritize Stroke Prevention and Treatment.

Accra: The Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development-Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana NCD Alliance and the Stroke Association Support Network, has marked this year's World Stroke Day with a call for comprehensive measures to tackle stroke prevention and treatment. According to Ghana News Agency, the 2024 commemoration themed 'Stroke: Know the Risks, Act Fast' highlighted the critical need for education, prevention, and timely intervention to reduce stroke risks, particularly in Ghana. A joint statement from Mr. Labram M. Musah, Executive Director of Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development-Ghana and National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance, urged the Ghanaian government, healthcare providers, and civil society to take decisive actions towards stroke management. The statement emphasized the importance of national commitment to raising awareness, improving healthcare access, and promoting healthy lifestyles to combat the growing prevalence of strokes in Ghana. It underscored the necessi ty for individuals to be informed and capable of recognizing early signs of stroke to take preventive measures through healthy living. Stroke has become a major health challenge in Ghana, significantly contributing to the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Recent studies indicate that stroke accounts for about 15 percent of hospital admissions and 16 percent of deaths annually in the country, with rising cases among younger adults due to increasing risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and urbanization. The statement further pointed out that many Ghanaians lack awareness of key stroke risk factors and early warning symptoms. It stressed the importance of education on recognizing symptoms like sudden numbness, weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, and severe headaches for timely treatment. Challenges such as insufficient access to quality healthcare services, especially emergency care in rural areas, transportation issues, inadequate facilities, and a shortag e of healthcare professionals exacerbate the problem. The statement also highlighted the role of public health initiatives in promoting healthier lifestyles and routine health screenings as vital for stroke prevention. The public was encouraged to avoid stigma surrounding stroke, as it may prevent individuals from seeking prompt medical care. The statement also called for the establishment of comprehensive rehabilitation programs focusing on physical, occupational, and speech therapy to support stroke survivors. Mr. Ad Adams Ebenezer, Executive Director of the Stroke Association Support Network, emphasized the need for government action to make rehabilitation accessible and affordable for stroke patients, reducing the financial burden of out-of-pocket payments for care.