Words from the President, May 2025

02 Jun 2025

I participated in a focused high-level policy meeting organized by the Hanoi Stroke Association, the Ministry of Health (MOH) Vietnam, and Medtronic, aimed at developing stroke networks in Vietnam. The discussion featured knowledge sharing from both developed countries and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Additionally, I emphasized the importance of establishing a stroke clinical trial network. I am optimistic that Vietnam will be able to develop a National Stroke Action Plan by the end of this year.

It was a privilege and an honor to deliver the Prof. Jacob Chandy Oration at the Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore. Prof. Chandy, known as the father of Neurological Sciences in India, has mentored and trained numerous neurosurgeons, shaping the field with his contributions.

My oration, titled "From Policy to Practice: A Roadmap for Strengthening Stroke Care in India and Beyond," focused on the global burden of stroke and the pressing need to enhance hospital systems to provide evidence-based treatment. I elaborated on various stroke care models suited for low- and middle-income countries and discussed the vision and mission of the World Stroke Organization (WSO). In particular, I highlighted WSO’s ongoing initiatives to implement stroke care in Africa and Asia.

The World Health Assembly side event of Global Stroke Action Coalition (GSAC) in Geneva was held on May 19th. GSAC is the first ever global advocacy movement dedicated to reducing the burden of stroke for everyone and everywhere. Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability globally, but it is overlooked and underfunded. The panel discussion was moderated by Claire Doole, former BBC correspondent. The panelists were Bo Norrving, Alarcos Cieza, Vanessa Peberdy and Melinda B. Roaldsen in the first part. Health Minister of Panama, Health secretary of Bhutan and health advisor to Ministry of Health from Egypt participated in the discussion. Angelique Balguid talked about mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke and Sheila Martins released the GSAC advocacy campaign “Every minute counts”. There were several participants from WHO, industry, governments, civil society and professional organizations. This event concluded with a call to the policy makers and UN General Assembly declaration of NCD.

The WSO Global Stroke Alliance will be held from July 24^th to 26^th in Hotel Intercontinental Landmark 72 in Hanoi. WSO also launched the new Global Stroke Center Certification portal in Helsinki on May 21^st.

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