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Toyyibat Qasim
Health experts have warned that delays in recognizing stroke symptoms and accessing emergency medical care are increasing the risk of preventable deaths and long-term disabilities in Nigeria.
Experts have stressed that immediate medical care could make a critical difference in the survival and recovery of stroke patients, urging Nigerians not to underestimate sudden weakness, facial drooping or difficulty speaking, even when symptoms appear mild or disappear temporarily.
The warning came as Nigeria joined the rest of the world on Thursday to commemorate World Stroke Day 2026, with health organizations stepping up 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 life-saving information closer to communities and encourage Nigerians to seek immediate medical attention when experiencing symptoms of a stroke.
In a statement authorized by Stroke Action Nigeria CEO and World Stroke Organization board member, Dr. Rita Melifonwu, the organizations 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 familiarize themselves with the FAST approach, an easy-to-remember guide to identifying common stroke symptoms and responding promptly.
In the approach, F stands for facial droop, particularly when one side of the face appears uneven; A represents arm weakness or difficulty lifting an arm; S refers to difficulty speaking, including slurring or difficulty understanding words; while T means time to immediately seek emergency medical attention.
The organizations stressed that anyone showing these warning signs should be taken for an urgent medical examination rather than being left at home in the hope that the symptoms will go away.
They also warned that symptoms that resolve after a short period should not be ignored, as they could indicate a transient ischemic attack, sometimes described as a premonitory stroke, requiring urgent medical evaluation.
Health groups have identified high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets as important risk factors that may increase the likelihood of stroke.
They called for greater public awareness of these risk factors, along with preventative measures such as regular health checks, blood pressure monitoring, appropriate diabetes management, physical activity and healthier eating habits.
As part of efforts to extend stroke education to younger Nigerians, Stroke Action Nigeria has revealed that it has conducted awareness engagements in four secondary schools through its Stroke Champions School Engagement Programme.
The initiative aims to equip students with the knowledge needed to recognize the warning signs of stroke, understand the urgency of emergency treatment, and share accurate health information within their families and communities.
The organizations urged Nigerians to make stroke awareness a shared responsibility, stressing that knowledge of warning signs could help families and bystanders act quickly when a medical emergency occurs.
They argued that early recognition, timely transportation to an appropriate healthcare facility, and timely medical intervention are essential to reduce the risk of death and lasting disability associated with stroke.
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