Walk/Run for Stroke Live in Abuja

ARE you a stroke patient, at risk of stroke or you have a relative or friend with stroke? Even if none of these is applicable to you, here is a piece of news that will interest you.

Stroke Action Nigeria, an NGO working with stroke survivors and their carers, has lauched  a “Stroke Helpline” – a landmark response that will enable callers have access to prompt stroke advice and information, as well as, how to find available stroke services within Nigeria.

The initiative is part of a month- long national Power to Stop Strokes Campaign across  Anambra, Imo, Delta, Lagos, and Edo States, including  the Federal Capital Territory.

The campaign is targeted at stroke survivors, their family and friends to highlight the causes of a stroke and how to prevent it.

Data from the World Health Organisation, WHO, and the World Bank, shows over 195,846 Nigerians suffer a stroke every year, 60 percent of who will die within three months while others end up with severe disabilities.

“The Power to Stop Strokes Campaign was organised to deliberate on the various issues that border on stroke in the country and was launched as an initiative of Stroke Action Nigeria to help propagate its mission of eradicating strokes in Nigeria and improving outcomes for stroke survivors and their carers,” says Rita Melifonwu, Founder/CEO, Stroke Action UK and Nigeria.

“The campaign has various activities that have been designed to empower Nigerians and also create awareness on how individuals can reduce their risk of stroke and what support is available to people that have been affected by stroke,” she added.

This is one campaign offers a chance for Nigerians at all levels to come together to flearn about initiatives such as the “Life After Stroke Services” and the “Stroke Awareness Forum” which are held in various states of the country. The “Power to Stop Strokes in Nigeria” will also demonstrate ways by which participants can be empowered to prevent the incidence of strokes in the country.

Part of the sensitisation activities  is the “Walk & Run” against strokes event which is open to all. Stroke Action Nigeria is also the convener of the Nigerian Stroke Assembly which is set to take place on the World Stroke Day on Tuesday 29th October 2013, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. The assembly, which seeks to promote meaningful and quality “life after stroke”, also provides a joint working platform for partners in the care and prevention of stroke; stroke specific organisations and medical care providers.

Source: Vanguard