Toyyibat Qasim
Health experts have warned that delays in recognising stroke symptoms and accessing emergency medical care are increasing the risk of preventable deaths and long-term disabilities in Nigeria.
The experts stressed that immediate medical attention could make a critical difference in the survival and recovery of stroke patients, urging Nigerians not to dismiss sudden weakness, facial drooping or difficulty speaking, even when the symptoms appear mild or disappear temporarily.
The warning came as Nigeria joined the rest of the world on Thursday to commemorate the 2026 World Stroke Day, with health organisations intensifying public education on stroke prevention, early recognition and emergency response.
Stroke Action Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences and the Nigerian Stroke Organization are marking the occasion with a public awareness rally under the theme, “Know the Signs. #ActFAST. Every Minute Counts.”
The campaign is designed to bring lifesaving information closer to communities and encourage Nigerians to seek immediate medical attention when stroke symptoms occur.
In a statement authorised by the Chief Executive of Stroke Action Nigeria and Board Member of the World Stroke Organisation, Dr Rita Melifonwu, the organisations described stroke as a major public health challenge, warning that late detection and inadequate emergency response continue to undermine efforts to reduce stroke-related deaths and disabilities.
They urged Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the FAST approach, an easy-to-remember guide for identifying common stroke symptoms and responding promptly.
Under the approach, F stands for facial drooping, particularly when one side of the face appears uneven; A represents arm weakness or difficulty raising one arm; S refers to speech difficulty, including slurring or trouble understanding words; while T means time to seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
The organisations emphasised that anyone displaying these warning signs should be taken for urgent medical assessment rather than being left at home in the hope that the symptoms would disappear.
They also cautioned that symptoms which resolve after a short period should not be ignored, as they may indicate a transient ischaemic attack, sometimes described as a warning stroke, which requires urgent medical evaluation.
The health groups identified high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets as important risk factors that can increase the likelihood of stroke.
They called for greater public awareness of these risk factors, alongside preventive measures such as regular health checks, blood pressure monitoring, appropriate management of diabetes, physical activity and healthier eating habits.
As part of efforts to extend stroke education to younger Nigerians, Stroke Action Nigeria disclosed that it had conducted awareness engagements in four secondary schools through its Stroke Champions School Engagement Programme.
The initiative seeks to equip students with the knowledge to recognise stroke warning signs, understand the urgency of emergency treatment and share accurate health information within their families and communities.
The organisations urged Nigerians to make stroke awareness a shared responsibility, stressing that knowledge of the warning signs could help families and bystanders act quickly when a medical emergency occurs.
They maintained that early recognition, prompt transportation to an appropriate health facility and timely medical intervention are essential to reducing the risk of death and lasting disability associated with stroke.
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