Alick Nzangaya
As the country join the rest of the world in commemorating world stroke day which falls on 29 October, a call has gone to the Malawi government to consider investing in the fight against the disease by constructing stroke units and train more stroke specialists.
This is according to Stroke Support Organization (SSO-Malawi) Co-founder Dr Emmie Malewezi who is also Stroke Nurse Consultant who said like most low to middle income countries, stroke is becoming common in Malawi and needs more attention.
In an interview with Prime Time News, Dr Malewezi said several factors have contributed to the increase in stroke cases including: change of people’s lifestyle that include: unhealthy food diets, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol intake and smoking.
“In general, the country is seeing a sharp increase in the number of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and obesity. All these put one at risk of suffering a stroke.” said Malewezi.
Despite recognizing government’s efforts to lessening stroke burdens, the Stroke Nurse Consultant said there is still need for government to do more by developing a national stroke strategy and investing in high quality stroke services such as stroke units.
Dr Malewezi further added that: “Government also needs to invest in training health professionals to specialise in stroke management in order to better support stroke patients and their families.”
Meanwhile, it is reported that plans are currently underway to open Malawi’s first ever stroke unit at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre a development which has given hope to the organization that stroke illnesses may reduce.
In line with this year’s theme #PreciousTime, SSO-Malawi says it would like to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke and encourage people to act fast by seeking medical help quickly when they suspect a stroke to save life and minimise disabilities.
The organization however says commemorations to mark the day will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 in the commercial city of Blantyre.
According to Dr Malewezi, SSO-Malawi will raise awareness on the subject through a big walk from Kachere Rehabilitation Center to Chichiri Round-about and back to Kachere where activities such as health talks, health screening and free consultations will be done and she has since advised the general public to take part.
Stroke Support Organization (SSO-Malawi) was formed by the united efforts of Stroke Survivors, guardians, spouses, medical professionals, attorneys, and rights activists.
Its overall aim is to improve the living conditions of persons with stroke by reducing its negative impact on individuals, their families and the prevention of stroke by wider society in the first place.
