NCDs are currently the #1 cause of death and disability in the world, stroke is one of the leading contributors to this global burden of disease. Like other NCDs many of which share many of the same risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, alcohol, physical inactivity and poor mental health, the impact of stroke is felt disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries, where risk factors are on the rise. Many people here experience significant challenges in terms of access to primary, acute and rehabilitative care.
The Global Week for Action on NCDs aims to unite the NCD movement concentrating our combined efforts with the aim of reducing the NCD burden globally and increasing health and equality. Join the movement!
The adult lifetime risk of stroke has increased from 1 in 6 to 1 in 4 in the past decade and the global NCD burden is expected to increase by 17% by 2025. While governments around the world have committed to reduce premature death and disability by addressing NCDS, progress has been slow and far from universal.
We know that the long-term impact of COVID 19 means that we are operating in challenging times, but investment in population-based approaches to prevention actually put money back into the economy and deliver healthier more resilient communities. As the world works to recover from the impact of the pandemic, it makes sense for governments to ACT now on prevention!
We also need our global stroke community to take action! By adding our voices to the NCD campaign we can make sure stroke is visible in the global advocacy arena and show the very real impact of stroke on individuals and communities around the world. WSO is calling on our members to support the campaign - no action is too small; no voice is insignificant.
There are many actions you can take, from creating your own message for social media or writing a letter to your Minister of Health, to collaborating with local NCD alliance members in your country or region to raise awareness of shared issues. The Global Week for Action on NCDs is an opportunity for all of us to take a step towards a world free from stroke, a world where everyone enjoys an equal right to health.
You can find all the resources you need to be a voice for change on the NCD Alliance campaign website