Words from the President, April 2025

05 May 2025 Words from the President

I had the privilege of attending the 2nd MENA VINM program in Cairo during the first week of April. The event was organized by Prof. Ahmed Elbassiouny (Director, MENA VINM), Dr. Adel Alhazzany (President, MENASO), Prof. Hussam Salah (President, Stroke Chapter), Dr. Ahmed Nasreldin (Assiut University), and Dr. Tamer Roushdy (Ain Shams University), organizing secretaries.

During the event, I spoke about the World Stroke Organization's (WSO) initiatives, including the WSO Neurointerventional fellowship, Future Stroke Leaders program, and Stroke center certification. It was a great opportunity to highlight WSO's ongoing efforts to improve stroke care globally.

I also had the chance to meet Dr. Mohammed Fawzi, Radiology Advisor to Ministry of Health with the Philips team, and Prof. Hussam Salah, where our discussions focused on strategic approaches to enhance stroke care quality in Egypt in collaboration with WSO. With stroke remaining the leading cause of death and disability globally, there’s an urgent need for advocacy at the upcoming WHA and UNGA meetings to drive action and policy change.

Additionally, I visited the World Health Organization Country Office in Baghdad, Iraq, where I had insightful discussions on advancing stroke care in collaboration with WHO, and the Ministry of Health, Iraq. Grateful to Dr. Karwan Othman Dizayee, Public Health Officer at WHO/ Liaison Officer/ Managing WHO Liaison Office at MOH; Dr. Jamela Alraiby, WR to Jordan; Dr. Hussam Abdulrasool, MOH and Dr. Mustafa Al Shahni for their support in coordinating this impactful meeting. Looking forward to strengthening stroke care initiatives in Iraq.

I had the opportunity to visit several hospitals in Iraq, including the new Medical City hospital—a collaboration between Iraq and Korea—located within the Baghdad General Hospital campus. The team is preparing to launch an advanced stroke center, which marks a promising step in enhancing stroke care in the region. Additionally, I explored Diwaniyah and Najjar General Hospitals, with the visits expertly coordinated by Dr. Mustafa Al Shahni. During my time in Baghdad, I had the privilege of meeting many senior neurologists, engaging in insightful discussions about the future of stroke care.

I delivered a talk at the Kurdistan Neurology Association's National Conference in Erbil, where I connected with passionate neurologists and healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing stroke care. I had the opportunity to discuss Stroke Systems of Care and the WSO Stroke Center Certification Program, paving the way for future collaboration with regional stroke champions. Moving forward, WSO’s strategy will focus on establishing Stroke Center Certification to further advance stroke treatment and care standards in Iraq.

Global Stroke Action Coalition Launch

The much-awaited Global Stroke Action Coalition was launched on April 9th. Sharon Epperson moderated the virtual launch by sharing her personal experience of stroke. The Global Stroke Action Coalition aims to spotlight the urgency—and opportunity—for governments to drive better health and equity. The coalition is calling on governments attending the 4th High-Level UN Meeting on NCDs in September this year, to commit to five actions. Make stroke a priority in NCD prevention and control strategies; Develop National Stroke Action Plans; Commit to funding; Implement robust stroke monitoring systems; Include stroke survivors and caregivers in policy development.