Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development-Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana NCD Alliance, has advised Ghanaians to constantly check their health status to avert non-communicable diseases like stroke.
The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), in a statement, noted that over the past three decades, the global burden of stroke has doubled, as stroke’s impact is expected to increase by one-third by 2050.
This rise could result in 9.7 million annual deaths and a significant increase in those affected by stroke-related disabilities.
The theme for the 2024 Stroke Awareness Day is “Stroke: Know the Risks, Act Fast,”.
“Beyond the immense human toll, stroke is projected to cost the global economy over USD 1.6 trillion annually by 2050. Around the world we can see the huge gaps in stroke care at every stage in the patient care pathway.
Stroke has emerged as a significant health crisis in Ghana, contributing notably to the burden of
non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to recent studies, stroke accounts for
approximately 15% of hospital admissions and 16% of deaths annually in the country, with
increasing incidents among younger adults due to rising risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes,
unhealthy lifestyle choices including tobacco and alcohol use, and the effects of urbanization.
Many Ghanaians remain unaware of key risk factors and early warning symptoms of stroke.
Education on recognizing symptoms like sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, difficulty
speaking, and severe headache is crucial for timely treatment.
Additionally, access to quality healthcare services, particularly emergency care, is inadequate,
especially in rural areas. Factors such as transportation challenges, inadequate facilities, and a
shortage of healthcare professionals further exacerbate this issue.
It is also important to note that risk factors, including high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and
physical inactivity, aggravate stroke prevalence. Public health initiatives promoting healthier
lifestyles and routine health screenings are essential for prevention.
Rehabilitation resources for stroke survivors are scarce, leaving many without necessary support
for recovery. Establishing comprehensive rehabilitation programs focused on physical,
occupational, and speech therapy is critical.
Stigma surrounding stroke can deter individuals from seeking prompt medical care. Addressing
these misconceptions is vital for promoting awareness of stroke as a serious medical emergency.
“Demanding action on the part of government to make rehabilitation accessible and affordable for
person living with stroke is essential to reducing the out-of-pocket payments when seeking care,”
Ad Adams Ebenezer, Executive Director, Stroke Association Support Network.
VALD and Ghana NCD Alliance, further called on the Ghanaian government, healthcare providers, and civil society to take decisive steps toward stroke prevention and management.
“As we observe World Stroke Day 2024, let us commit ourselves as a nation to raising awareness,
improving healthcare access, and promoting healthy lifestyles to combat the increasing prevalence
of strokes in Ghana. Together, we can foster a society where individuals are informed and equipped
to recognize strokes early and take preventative measures through healthy living,” the statement signed by Labram M. Musah, Executive Director of Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development-Ghana and
National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance added.
