Spotlight on Stroke at WHA78: Seizing a Pivotal Advocacy Moment

02 Jun 2025

Global Stroke Action Coalition side event highlights need for urgency, equity, and innovation in stroke as part of NCD policy.

Each year, the World Health Assembly (WHA) brings together government health leaders, NGOs, and industry stakeholders to address pressing global health priorities. This year, WHA78 held particular significance as the final global convening of UN member states ahead of the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). This made it a crucial platform to elevate stroke on the global health agenda.

The World Stroke Organization (WSO) was actively engaged throughout WHA78—attending meetings, building partnerships, and amplifying stroke advocacy. A major highlight was the WSO-hosted Global Stroke Action Coalition side event, Overlooked and Underfunded: Turning the Tide on the Global Stroke Crisis, held on May 19 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva.

This high-impact event brought together representatives from the Ministries of Health of Bhutan, Brazil, Egypt, and Panama, along with speakers from WHO, IFPMA, Philips, WSO, and Dr. Melinda Roaldsen—a neurologist and stroke survivor. Their collective insights emphasized the urgent need for global attention to stroke, showcasing new opportunities in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation that can accelerate progress on health and development goals.

Key messages centered on the growing stroke burden, the effectiveness of stroke-focused healthcare interventions, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration. In a dynamic policy panel, health ministries shared practical strategies for expanding access to stroke care—directly addressing the third leading cause of death and disability linked to NCDs.

With expert moderation by former BBC journalist Claire Doole and a full house of nearly 80 participants, the event made a strong impression amid a packed WHA agenda.

The side event also marked the official launch of the Every Minute Counts advocacy campaign—a call to action for Ministries of Health to become Stroke Champions, and for civil society to sign and circulate the Coalition’s online Letter of Support. The campaign aims to put stroke at the forefront of national and global health strategies.

Our Five Stroke Policy Asks

1. Make stroke a priority within NCD strategies
2. Develop national stroke action plans
3. Commit to immediate funding for stroke initiatives
4. Establish robust stroke monitoring systems
5. Involve stroke survivors and caregivers in policy development

By bringing together our members, stakeholders and our partners in the Global Stroke Action Coalition, we’re working to ensure stroke is no longer overlooked—and that governments are empowered to take action that saves lives and strengthens health systems worldwide.

For more information on the Global Stroke Action Coalition please contact admin@world-stroke.org