Bhubaneswar: IFI Foundation and its Partners host a state-level media workshop today in Bhubaneswar on ‘Prevention and Management of Stroke’ in the run-up to World Stroke Day 2023.

Stroke has become a major public health challenge globally, leading to death and disability. However, it is preventable and we can reduce the burden of stroke with a modifiable lifestyle. Thus, public health experts advise the media and communication fraternity to spread awareness on the subject.

Joining the workshop at Bhubaneswar, senior neurologist Dr Subhransu S Jena said, “Every six seconds, one person dies of stroke. However, in a large number of cases, meaningful clinical intervention is not possible due to the delay in bringing the patients to a stroke-ready facility. Thus, awareness of this silent killer should start from each individual”.

Dr Subhransu spoke on the theme ‘Stroke 101’ for a wider understanding of the mediapersons.

The workshop was organized by IFI Foundation, in association with OdishaLIVE and Swasthya Plus Network was a part of a two-week-long public health awareness campaign in the run-up to World Stroke Day observed globally on October 29.

At the opening, the Chairman of the Campaign, SBCC expert and media personality Nilambar Rath, welcomed the participants which had a unique mix of media persons, development sector professionals and media students. He set the context highlighting that the last century was a fight against Communicable Diseases while Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the bane of this century, ringing alarm bells globally.

“Among the NCDs, Stroke is taking a major toll on global health and thus impacts long-term development. So, the media in all forms can play a crucial role in making people aware of stroke, identifying its symptoms and exploring the golden hour to save lives. Similarly, the communication professionals can influence policymakers for prioritizing measures in preventing and strengthening stroke care”, advocated Dr PKB Patnaik, a public health specialist and the former nodal officer for NCD with Govt of Odisha.

The campaign titled 'Stroke Mukta Jeebana’ (Life Free from Stroke) is partnered by ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar, Indian Public Health Association (IPHA), Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and Care Hospital Bhubaneswar. The initiative encompasses a series of informational videos, media workshops, newsletters and technical sessions under a conclave.

In the changing global scenario and modern lifestyle, Non-Communicable Diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and brain stroke are increasing concerns in the global medical, public health & research communities.

IFI Foundation, a member of the World Stroke Organization is building a coalition of clinical and non-clinical stakeholders to foster and coordinate a large-scale comprehensive action to improve stroke prevention, response and post-stroke care and rehabilitation. It supports the Swasthya Plus network, a leading digital health communication platform active in 17 different languages to disseminate quality health information for consumption of the general public.