As World Stroke Week kicks off on 28 October, the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) is joining global efforts to shine a light on one of the world's most urgent health crises, stroke.
This year's theme, 'Every Minute Counts: Let's Act Together', sends a powerful message: when it comes to stroke, time truly means brain.
With World Stroke Day taking place on 29 October, the foundation is leading a week-long national campaign to raise awareness about the signs of stroke, its risk factors, and the life-saving importance of acting fast.
The HSFSA's mission is simple yet critical: to educate, empower, and encourage South Africans to recognise the symptoms early and seek immediate medical help.
'With 1.9 million brain cells dying every minute during a stroke, time truly is brain,' the Foundation notes. 'But there is hope , if we #ActFAST, we can save lives, improve recovery, and reduce disability for stroke survivors.'
A stroke can happen to anyone, young or old, healthy or not, and it strikes without warning. According to the World Stroke Organization (WSO), 15 million people worldwide experience a stroke every year, which means someone, somewhere, suffers one every two seconds.
Of these, one in four people will experience a stroke in their lifetime, and nearly half will not survive. For many who do, the road to recovery is long and challenging, with two-thirds left with lasting complications such as difficulty speaking, moving, or living independently.
A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the part of the brain is blocked or interrupted, cutting off oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die, making it one of the world's leading causes of death and disability.
There are two main types of stroke: ischaemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage, and haemorrhagic stroke, which results from a ruptured blood vessel. A related condition, known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or 'mini-stroke', produces temporary symptoms and acts as a warning sign of future risk.
The key, the Foundation stresses, is to act fast, literally. The FAST acronym serves as a quick reminder: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services.
In South Africa, the challenge is compounded by other health factors. Research by Tribelhor et al. (2021) found that people with high blood pressure are 'three to four times more likely to experience a stroke.'
Worryingly, one in three adults fall within the high-normal to hypertensive range, with half of these cases untreated or not following prescribed medication. The country's high HIV prevalence, estimated at around 20%, adds another layer of risk, particularly among people under 50, as HIV can increase stroke likelihood through blood vessel damage and clotting issues.
'The quicker we recognise the signs and take action by getting emergency medical help, the better the health outcomes,' the Foundation emphasises.
Recovery from a stroke requires early intervention and teamwork. The HSFSA highlights the critical role of multidisciplinary rehabilitation, often involving neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational and speech therapists, mental health practitioners, nurses, and dietitians.
Physiotherapists focus on improving strength and balance, while occupational therapists help survivors relearn everyday tasks. However, access to these services, especially in the public health sector, remains limited, delaying recovery for many South Africans.
The encouraging news? Up to 80% of strokes are preventable through healthy lifestyle changes. Controllable risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, smoking or vaping, obesity, diabetes, excessive alcohol use, and physical inactivity.
Uncontrollable factors such as age, gender, genetics, and limited access to healthcare can also influence risk, but awareness and education remain powerful tools in reducing stroke rates.
The Foundation continues to drive outreach and public education across communities to help people understand their risks, recognise early warning signs, and take action before it's too late.
As part of its commitment to education and prevention, the HSFSA has partnered with FAST Heroes, an award-winning global programme that teaches primary school children to spot stroke symptoms and respond quickly.
Through a fun, five-week curriculum, kids become 'little heroes' capable of recognising a stroke and alerting adults. This initiative forms part of the Foundation's School Health Program Initiative (SHPI), reaching schools, teachers, and families across South Africa.
'By fostering a culture of health and wellness in schools and communities,' says the Foundation, 'we can support the development of healthy habits and behaviours from a young age.'
This year, the HSFSA is inviting individuals, communities, and organisations nationwide to join the cause. Through community-centred events, health screenings, and awareness campaigns, the Foundation aims to bring people together to learn, share, and support those affected by stroke.
Its Mended Hearts and Stroke Support Groups (MHSGs) offer practical and emotional support to survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, helping them navigate the journey of recovery.
The Foundation is also urging workplaces to arrange health risk assessments, simple checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, to empower employees with knowledge about their personal risk.
As a visible symbol of solidarity, landmarks and buildings across the country will light up in green ahead of World Stroke Day on 29 October, honouring stroke survivors and those working to prevent the disease.
'Let's all come together this World Stroke Week and World Stroke Day,' says the HSFSA, 'as we work towards a future where everyone has access to the care they need to prevent and survive a stroke.'
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