World Stroke Day 2025: “Every Minute Counts” — Global Call for Urgent Action to Tackle the Growing Burden of Stroke
With one in four at lifetime risk of stroke, we all have a role to play in accelerating action on stoke, from policymakers shaping health systems, clinicians delivering lifesaving care, or members of the public standing ready to spot the signs of stroke and secure immediate medical care- we all have a role in preventing the devastation of stroke.
Every year, stroke claims 7 million lives and leaves millions more with long-term disability. Beyond the human toll, the global economic cost of stroke exceeds US $891 billion annually, a figure projected to rise to US $1.6 trillion by 2050 without decisive global action.
While many high-income countries have reduced stroke incidence and mortality through prevention and improved acute care, this progress has not been shared equally. Low- and middle-income countries now bear the brunt of the crisis. By 2050, more than 90% of stroke-related deaths and disabilities will occur in regions least equipped to respond effectively.
“We cannot achieve global health and development goals -including progress on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and Universal Health Coverage -without prioritizing stroke,” said Prof Jeyaraj Pandian, President of WSO. “Prevention, acute care, and rehabilitation must be accessible to everyone, everywhere.”
As convenors of the Global Stroke Action Coalition (GSAC), a multi-sectoral partnership driving global and national policy action on stroke, the WSO is calling on governments and stakeholders worldwide to:
1. Prioritize stroke within national NCD responses.
2. Develop and implement National Stroke Action Plans to strengthen prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
3. Explore innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms, including taxation of harmful products, to fund effective healthcare systems.
The WSO and GSAC reaffirm their commitment to work with governments and stroke stakeholders to accelerate implementation of proven, cost-effective interventions across the entire stroke care pathway - from prevention to recovery.
‘The solutions are known, the benefits are measurable, and the need is urgent’, said Prof Pandian. ‘The time to act is now.’
About the World Stroke Organization
The World Stroke Organization is the leading global body solely focused on stroke. With members in over 100 countries, WSO works to reduce the global burden of stroke through advocacy, education, and the promotion of evidence-based care and prevention.
World Stroke Day
Established by the World Stroke Organization in 2006, World Stroke Day aims to drive public awareness and action on stroke. The 2025-26 Every Minute Counts campaign is focused on symptom awareness and the importance of timely treatment for recovery. A campaign toolkit providing social media, video and imagery designed to support public awareness is available in 6 global languages. Official campaign hashtags are #actFAST and #worldstrokeday
Media Contact:
Anita Wiseman Campaign and Partnerships Manager
awiseman@world-sstroke.org
www.world-stroke.org
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