Stroke prevention worldwide – what could make it work?

Abstract

The global burden of stroke is of continual major importance for global health. The present report adresses some of the core principles what could make stroke prevention work.

The prevention of stroke shares many common features with other non-communicable diseases (NCDs); stroke prevention should therefore be part of the joint actions on NCD led by the WHO and member states. Stroke prevention is an integral part both of the 2011 UN declaration on actions on NCDs, and the UN Post-2015 Sustainable Developmental Goals. Stroke prevention requires an inter-sectorial approach, with important responsibilities both of governmental bodies, non-government organizations, the health sector proper, as well as communities, industry, and indivduals. Whereas official development assistance will need to be provided for the lowest income countries, for most countries financing will need to be raised by reallocation of resources within the country.

Stroke is a prototype NCD in that there is overwhelming scientific evidence that with actions on risk factors the risk of stroke can be substantially reduced. Prevention of stroke will also have beneficial effects on cognitive decline and dementia. As most strokes do not lead to death, stroke statistics should not only focus on mortality, but also disability and quality of life. All preventive actions should start early in life and continue during the life cycle.

Prevention of stroke is a complex medical and a political issue with many challenges. Upscaled efforts to prevent stroke are urgently needed in all regions, and the opportunity to act is now.