In a remarkable gathering to raise awareness and promote better stroke care, the Nepal Stroke Association (NSA) celebrated World Stroke Day 2024 with the theme #GreaterThanChallenge. This year's event was marked by an inspiring walkathon and a series of engaging activities, bringing together healthcare professionals, social workers, students, and community members in the heart of Kathmandu.
The event kicked off at Nandi Ratri School in Nagpokhari, where a diverse team comprising doctors, nurses, dieticians, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, Nepal Ambulance Service personnel, social workers, and students assembled. The group walked together to Lainchour Ground, symbolizing unity and commitment to the fight against stroke. Along the way, they engaged the local community, spreading essential information about stroke prevention, recognition, and response.
Upon reaching Lainchour, the participants jumped into an exciting array of activities, including a futsal competition, spoon race, drama, and art competition. Each event held a purpose: to foster a spirit of collaboration and to creatively educate the community on stroke awareness. The interactive games allowed everyone to engage in the cause while building camaraderie and understanding among healthcare workers, social advocates, and the community.
This year’s event saw enthusiastic participation from Grande International Hospital, Manmohan Teaching Hospital, National Neuro Center, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, KIST Medical College, and other medical centers across Nepal. The Nepal Stroke Association (NSA) has played a pivotal role in advancing stroke awareness in Nepal. The first Stroke Day in Nepal was celebrated in 2008 at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. Since then, health institutions across the country have taken the lead in observing Stroke Day on October 29, with many healthcare facilities participating actively. Today, NSA acknowledges and expresses gratitude to all these institutions for their commitment to increasing awareness about stroke prevention and care, especially in a country where stroke remains a major cause of death and disability. With developing countries bearing the brunt of stroke-related mortality and long-term disability, such collective efforts are critical to saving lives and improving health outcomes.
The event concluded with a formal program attended by Honorable Minister Mr. Pradeep Paudel as the chief guest. The presence of Ward 26 Chairman Mr. Khem Raj Tiwari, Current President Dr. Raju Paudel, NSA's Founder President Dr. Lekhjung Thapa, and Lainchaour Youth Club's President Mr Rambha Rojak highlighted the dedication of various leaders to improve stroke care in Nepal. In his address, Dr. Thapa shared the NSA's journey, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible stroke care across Nepal.
Mr Tiwari called for a collaborative approach to strengthen stroke care networks in the community. Honorable minister Mr Paudel underscored the government’s role in implementing structured stroke care nationwide, pledging greater support for partnerships with NSA to enhance stroke outcomes in the country.
The day also honored several distinguished figures in stroke care in Nepal, including Dr. Lekhjung Thapa, Dr. Raju Paudel, Dr. Suman Bhattarai, and Dr. Subash Phuyal, for their pioneering contributions to advancing stroke treatment in Nepal. Their efforts in bringing advanced stroke care to Nepalese communities have been invaluable, laying the groundwork for a healthier, more informed society.
As the program drew to a close, Dr. Raju Paudel, delivered the concluding remarks, thanking all participants, partners, and attendees for their commitment to the cause. He emphasized the ongoing need for collective efforts in raising stroke awareness and improving stroke care throughout Nepal, and he reaffirmed NSA’s dedication to this mission.
World Stroke Day 2024, celebrated by NSA, was a vivid reminder of the #GreaterThanChallenge spirit. It highlighted the power of collaboration and awareness, reinforcing NSA’s vision for better stroke prevention, rapid response, and comprehensive care across Nepal.
The program was supported by Nepal Stroke Project led by Dr Christine Tünkl and her team from Germany.
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