Words from the President, November 2023

06 Dec 2023

Dear Members,

I am delighted to share a recap of the impactful and successful WSO’s Global Stroke Alliance 2023 and SIECV Annual Meeting held in Punta del Este, Uruguay in November. Over three dynamic days, we witnessed a gathering of nearly 500 dedicated professionals, government representatives, industry leaders, patients’ associations, stroke societies, World Health Organization and Pan American Organization, all united in their commitment to advancing stroke care and prevention.

Representatives from the Ministries of Health in 13 Latin American countries came together, each presenting a comprehensive overview of their current stroke prevention and care landscape followed by implementation workshops for acute care, prevention and neurointervention to discuss immediate concrete action plans. This meeting showcased a collective dedication to continuous evaluation, as evidenced by the distribution of a survey to track progress since our last gathering. Since the last Global Stroke Alliance was an increase in the number of countries with government national plan for stroke from 4 (31%) to 6 (46%), the progressive increase of number of stroke centers in the region and the increase of the national health coverage in the public health system for thrombolysis (from 69 to 85%) and thrombectomy (from 34 to 54%).

In a special moment during the Ministerial Meeting the Secretary of Specialized Attention of Ministry of Health of Brazil Dr Helvécio Miranda Magalhães announced the publication of the National Ordinace approving mechanical thrombectomy for stroke patients in the public health care system. This approval is a great milestone in the history of stroke care in the Brazil reflecting a significant advancement in treatment accessibility, which will certainly further influence public policies in the region.

Other significant milestone was achieved as 18 new centers from Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Brazil were honored with WSO Certification of Stroke Centers (now they are 57 hospitals certified in the region). Plans for further certification rounds in Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and Dominican Republic underscore a region-wide commitment to elevating standards in stroke care. Also, it was launched the WSO Certification for Rehabilitation Stroke Centers

At the Awards Ceremony, 142 hospitals from across Latin America received the prestigious WSO Angels Award, recognizing excellence in stroke care. Also, the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas from Peru received the Best World Stroke Campaign Award for Low-and-middle income countries for the campaign of 2022. We congratulate all Certified Stroke Centers and all Award winners.

The participants of the meeting signed the Global Declaration on Stroke launched in the GSA in New Delhi this year, with the commitment to work to implement all evidence-based strategies for stroke prevention and care (read and sign the Global Declaration)

Acknowledgments:

A heartfelt acknowledgment to Dr. Karina Rando, the Minister of Health of Uruguay, for hosting this impactful gathering. Her support and dedication have played a pivotal role in the success of this event.

Thank you to each one of you for your commitment, enthusiasm, and huge contribution to this successful event. Together, we are driving progress in stroke care and making a significant impact on the global stage.

Warm regards,
Sheila Martins

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