Stroke Awareness Campaign | World Stroke Organization

World Stroke Campaign / World Stroke Day / World Stroke Day Events / Stroke Awareness Campaign

Stroke Awareness Campaign for University Students-Cambodia 1. Background Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Cambodia and worldwide. Many risk factors—such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle—are preventable through lifestyle changes and early medical care. University students represent a key target group, as they are at the stage of forming lifelong habits, and they can act as future advocates for their families and communities. University students are an important group to target because: • They are at an age where healthy or unhealthy habits are formed. • They often lack awareness of non-communicable diseases such as stroke. • They can act as multipliers by sharing knowledge with their peers, families, and communities. The Cambodian Association of Neurology (C.A.N), established to promote neurological health, has the responsibility not only to train medical professionals but also to educate the wider community. In alignment with its mission of health promotion and disease prevention, CAN will organize a Stroke Awareness Campaign targeting around 200 students from Phnom Penh universities. 2. Objectives The campaign aims to: • Increase awareness among university students about stroke risk factors, warning signs, and prevention. • Promote healthy lifestyle choices (exercise, balanced diet, smoking cessation, alcohol moderation). • Teach the “FAST” approach (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call for help). • Encourage youth to become ambassadors of stroke prevention in their families and communities. • Strengthen collaboration between CAN, universities, and the health sector in public health promotion. 3. Target Group of participants: • Representative of Ministry of Health Cambodia, Representative of union of youth federations of Cambodia, Representative of WHO-Cambodia, Representative from Pohang Stroke and Spine Hospital • Around 200 university students from Phnom Penh universities (mixed faculties, not only medical students). 4. Activities The campaign will be conducted as a half-day event and will include: - Opening remarks - Keynote lecture on stroke in Cambodia (causes, burden, prevention). - Interactive educational session (FAST signs, stroke myths, lifestyle). - Case sharing by doctors and patients (short testimonies on stroke survival). - Group quiz and role-play to reinforce FAST recognition. - Distribution of IEC materials (flyers, posters, QR links to CAN resources). - Photo session & media coverage to amplify public awareness. 5. Expected Results • At least 200 students will improve their knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs. • Participants will demonstrate recall of the FAST stroke recognition tool. • Students will commit to adopting at least one personal lifestyle modification (exercise, diet, avoiding tobacco/alcohol misuse). • Increased visibility of CAN’s role in public neurological health promotion. • Foundation for expansion of similar youth-focused awareness campaigns in other universities. 6. Date, Venue, and Organizers • Date: 09-October-2025 • Venue: Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC)-Phnom Penh • Organizer: Cambodian Association of Neurology (C.A.N) / Hospital Beyond Borders (HBB) • Partners: Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC)-Phnom Penh and Pohang Stroke and Spine Hospital