Kathmandu:More than 50,000 people suffer from stroke every year in Nepal. This figure was presented by Dr. Raju Poudel, the outgoing President of the Nepal Stroke Association, during a discussion with RSS on the occasion of World Stroke Day.
According to National News Agency RSS, World Stroke Day is being observed in Nepal under the slogan “Every Minute Counts.” Dr. Poudel highlighted that in Nepal, one person suffers from a stroke every 10 minutes. He explained that a stroke occurs when blood circulation to any part of the brain is blocked, which can happen due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients leading to artery obstruction.
The Nepal Stroke Association, established in 2017, aims to assess the current situation of stroke in the country and the measures taken for its treatment. The association organizes various programs and collaborates with international entities like University Hospital Heidelberg in Germany, GIZ, and the World Health Organization to set international standards for stroke treatment.
Dr. Poudel emphasized the need for government intervention to prevent strokes, as one-third of stroke sufferers succumb to the condition. He noted that globally, the possibility of paralysis affects one in four individuals, and one person experiences a stroke every three seconds, with around 12 million people affected annually. In Nepal, 15-20 percent of stroke victims die, making it a critical health issue, especially in least-developed and developing countries.
He identified high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, inactive lifestyle, and unbalanced diet as key risk factors for strokes. Dr. Poudel stressed the importance of government attention to address the high stroke rate in Nepal.