World Stroke Day is observed every year on October 29 by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) to highlight the medical condition, raise awareness about the risks and to ensure better treatment.
Stroke is a medical condition, which causes the death of brain cells due to a lack of oxygen. It is caused due to either blockage of a blood vessel or bleeding in the brain.
World Stroke Day 2019 theme
World Stroke Day 2019 theme this year is “Cut Stroke in Half.” The campaign this year will aim to reduce instances of stroke through an integrated prevention strategy. The focus this year will be on low and middle-income countries, where strokes are more prevalent and have a more lasting impact on lives. Through this, WSO aims to cut stroke instances in half by 2030.
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World Stroke Day history
The history of World Stroke Day dates back to October 29, 2004, when it was first established at the World Stroke Congress held in Vancouver, Canada. In 2006, a working group was formed and incorporated into a World Stroke Proclamation. Two organizations – the International Stroke Society and World Stroke Federation – merged to manage the day and its campaigns ever year.
World Stroke Day significance
WSO observes World Stroke Day every year on October 29 to reduce instances of this deadly condition. Stroke is an unpredictable health condition that can strike anyone, anywhere and at any time. It is a major cause of disability worldwide and the second-leading cause of death. Reports suggest, every year, around 14 million people are touted to have a stroke, out of which more than five million may die of the condition.
The objective of World Stroke Day is to reduce instances of stroke and its burden on families and livelihoods.
