A critical meeting took place recently, bringing together global and local health leaders to tackle the growing stroke crisis in the Philippines. The Stroke CARE (Coalition for Acute Stroke Response and Excellence) Meeting aimed to elevate stroke care standards and build a “stroke-ready” Philippines.
The meeting was spearheaded by the Angels Initiative, the World Stroke Organization (WSO), and the Stroke Society of the Philippines (SSP). These organizations are working together to improve stroke response and care across the nation.
Stroke is a significant public health issue in the Philippines. It is the third leading cause of death and a major cause of long-term disability. From January to August 2024 alone, stroke caused 34,464 fatalities in the country.
Global Support for the Philippines
Prof. Jeyaraj Pandian, President of the World Stroke Organization, expressed the WSO’s strong support for the Philippines. He highlighted the progress made through the WSO Angels Certification Program. This program recognizes hospitals that meet specific standards of stroke care.
Prof. Pandian stressed the importance of collaboration between different sectors. He also emphasized the need to raise community awareness and build capacity at all levels of healthcare.
Key Priorities for Improving Stroke Care
Several key priorities were discussed during the Stroke CARE Meeting. These included:
Developing a unified national stroke strategy: A coordinated plan is needed to address stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation across the country.
Improving access to timely treatment: Quick access to medical care is crucial for stroke patients. Every minute counts when it comes to minimizing brain damage.
Adopting data-driven tools: The Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q) is one such tool. It helps hospitals track their performance and identify areas for improvement.
Expanding training for frontline health workers: Doctors, nurses, and paramedics need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognize and treat stroke effectively.
Regional Collaboration is Crucial
Stroke champions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao participated in the discussions. These regional leaders are vital in bridging global standards with local solutions. They understand the specific challenges and needs of their communities.
Angels Initiative: A Commitment to Change
The Angels Initiative, a global healthcare program by Boehringer Ingelheim, is deeply committed to improving stroke care in the Philippines. They are doing this through strategic partnerships, continuous capacity-building, and a shared vision of a stroke-ready nation.
The Angels Initiative believes that by working together, the Philippines can significantly reduce the burden of stroke and improve the lives of countless individuals.
Hope for the Future
The Stroke CARE Meeting represents a significant step forward in the fight against stroke in the Philippines. By bringing together global and local expertise, the nation is poised to make real progress in improving stroke prevention, treatment, and care. The commitment of organizations like the WSO, SSP, and Angels Initiative offers hope for a future where stroke is no longer a leading cause of death and disability in the Philippines.
