As the world marks World Stroke Day today, Thursday, Nigerians are being urged to be aware of the warning signs of a stroke and to seek immediate medical help. The call comes from Stroke Action Nigeria (SAN), an organization dedicated to raising awareness about strokes and reducing their incidence in the country.
According to THISDAYLIVE, SAN has taken its #ActFAST campaign to the streets, aiming to educate Nigerians about the signs of a stroke and the importance of seeking medical attention immediately.
“Every minute counts when it comes to treating a stroke, and we want to make sure that Nigerians know what to look for and what to do if they suspect someone is having a stroke,” said a SAN spokesperson.
Strokes are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, and they pose a significant health challenge in Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 140,000 people die from strokes in Nigeria each year.
SAN’s #ActFAST campaign encourages Nigerians to remember the acronym FAST, which stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services.
“If someone shows any of these symptoms, it’s important to act fast and get them to a hospital as soon as possible,” the SAN spokesperson stressed.
According to the WHO, early diagnosis and treatment of strokes can significantly reduce the risk of disability and death.
SAN’s #ActFAST campaign is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about strokes and reduce their incidence in Nigeria. The organization has also launched a mobile app that provides information about strokes and allows users to report suspected strokes to emergency services.
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