Nigeria Marks World Stroke Day 2025 with Nationwide Campaign to Prevent and Reduce Stroke Incidence

As Nigeria joins the global community in observing World Stroke Day 2025, Stroke Action Nigeria has called on citizens to take greater responsibility for their health and to support national efforts aimed at preventing and reducing the increasing incidence of stroke across the country.

In collaboration with the World Stroke Organisation (WSO), Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Onitsha, Asaba Specialist Hospital, and FMC Asaba, the organization is spearheading a nationwide awareness campaign themed “Power to Stop Strokes in Nigeria.” This initiative emphasizes education and empowerment, guiding Nigerians on how to prevent strokes, recognize early warning signs, and support survivors and their families.

In Anambra and Delta States, over 203 trained Stroke Champions are actively spreading the message within schools, universities, workplaces, and communities. They are encouraging citizens to #ActFAST—learning to identify the early symptoms of stroke, making simple lifestyle changes, and taking prompt action that could save lives.

Dr. Rita Melifonwu, Chief Executive of Stroke Action Nigeria and a Board Member of the WSO, highlighted the importance of community-driven efforts. “Every Nigerian has the power to stop strokes,” she stated. “By equipping ourselves with the knowledge to prevent and respond quickly when stroke occurs, we can significantly reduce the number of lives and families affected by this devastating condition.”

To mark this year’s World Stroke Day, Stroke Action Nigeria, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, is implementing various community-based activities nationwide. These include free stroke risk assessments and blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and body mass index monitoring; weekly fitness events called Park Walk and Run Against Stroke to promote exercise and weight management; and a series of Stroke Assemblies—comprising conferences, seminars, and workshops—to boost public awareness about stroke prevention, signs and symptoms, emergency response, and post-stroke rehabilitation.

Melifonwu, who also co-chairs the Case Management, Research, and Surveillance Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Technical Working Group at the Federal Ministry of Health, emphasized that early detection and quick response are vital for saving lives. She continues to advocate for improved stroke care and increased community engagement across Nigeria.

Furthermore, she stated that Stroke Action Nigeria remains committed to advancing prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services throughout the country. Through collaborations with local and international partners, the organization provides education, advocacy, and support to enhance the quality of life for stroke survivors and their families.

Nigerians interested in becoming Stroke Champions or learning more about stroke prevention are encouraged to visit the Stroke Action Nigeria website and join the STOP STROKES movement—an initiative dedicated to empowering communities and saving lives.