Ilorin, Kwara State (Nigeria): In commemoration of World Stroke Day, the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) extended a lifeline to underserved communities by offering free medical screenings to detect and prevent stroke-related conditions early.
The outreach, which targeted indigent residents, underscores UITH’s commitment to promoting health equity and raising awareness about one of the world’s leading causes of disability and death.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the outreach, the Head of the Stroke Unit at the UITH, Prof. Kolawole Wahab, stated that World Stroke Day 2025 highlights the urgent global call to act on stroke prevention, care, and recovery.
Wahab said that the theme of the day, “Every Minute Counts,” was apt, as it emphasises the importance of timely intervention in preventing stroke.
The head of the stroke unit pointed out that every minute counts when it comes to treatment and saving lives, and that the commonest risk factor all over the world was hypertension.
He observed that Nigeria was the stroke capital city in Africa due to the high burden of hypertension among the populace.
Wahab added that stroke was prevalent in Nigeria and that there were about 114 people per 100,000 population who had a stroke in the country.
“It is a prevalent disease, and in fact, every single minute, six indigenous Africans develop strokes.
“Over a period of one hour, which is 60 minutes, 360 indigenous Africans would have developed a stroke. This is preventable,” he lamented.
According to him, the disease is more prevalent in Africa and other developing countries than in the Western world.
Wahab described stroke as a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.
He explained further that this lack of blood flow prevents brain cells from getting oxygen and nutrients, causing them to die within minutes.
Also speaking, Dr Alaofin Adetunji, Consultant Neurologist, UITH, explained that the commemoration of the day is to mobilise and sensitise the public on the dangers of stroke and to strengthen resolve to fight the scourge of stroke in the state.
Adetunji advised people to identify the signs of a stroke, which he said is the acronym BE-FAST: Balance (sudden loss of balance), Eyes (vision problems), Face (drooping), Arm (weakness), Speech (slurred), and Time.
He therefore warns against smoking, drinking alcohol, sedentary lifestyles and taking recreational drugs, among others.
The Deputy Director of Nursing, Stroke Care Unit, UITH, Mrs Tejumola Yinka, observed that people should be educated about the dangers of stroke to protect themselves from the disease.
Yinka said that when people are enlightened, they will recognise the signs that prompt them to seek timely medical care and intervention.
She stated that the programme includes tests for hypertension, blood sugar and free medication, among others.
