Driving Progress: Highlights from the Global Stroke Alliance, Uruguay, 2023 Meeting

06 Dec 2023

The recently concluded Global Stroke Alliance 2023 and SIECV Annual Meeting in Punta del Este, Uruguay, proved to be a major success, bringing together professionals, government representatives, and industry leaders committed to advancing stroke care and prevention. Over three impactful days, nearly 500 attendees, including representatives from the Ministries of Health in 13 Latin American countries, gathered to share insights, best practices, and celebrate milestones in stroke care.

Throughout the meeting, each country presented a comprehensive overview of the current status of stroke prevention and care within their borders. To track progress since the last meeting, a survey was distributed, and the complete results will be shared shortly. This commitment to continuous evaluation reflects a collective dedication to improving stroke care on both local and global scales.

Implementation Workshops and Certifications:

Engaging implementation workshops focused on prevention and acute care took center stage, providing a platform for valuable exchanges. The certification ceremony saw 18 centers from Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Brazil receiving WSO Certification of Stroke Centers (levels: half essential and half advanced) with plans for further rounds in Argentina, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Brazil, indicating a region-wide commitment to elevating standards.

Scientific Updates, Research Forums, and Awards:

The meeting featured scientific updates in stroke care and dynamic research forums, offering attendees the latest advancements and opportunities for discussions. Taskeen Khan from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pedro Ordunez, director of HEARTS at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)shared strategic responses to tackle stroke, emphasizing collaborative efforts through the HEARTs program, with a joint initiative set to launch early next year. The official launch of the WSO certification program for rehabilitation centers marked a significant stride forward in ensuring standardized and high-quality stroke care.

At the Awards Ceremony held during the GSA, 142 hospitals from across Latin America were honored with a WSO Angels Award. The WSO Angels Awards acknowledge excellence in stroke care, celebrating teams and organizations that surpass expectations in caring for their patients. The Angels Awards ceremony and Angels Forum highlighted the exceptional contributions of individuals and institutions to stroke care, recognizing their crucial role in fostering positive change.

Milestone for Stroke Care in Brazil:

A notable achievement celebrated during the meeting was the approval of mechanical thrombectomy for stroke patients in the public healthcare system in Brazil, marking a significant advancement in treatment accessibility in the region.

As we conclude the Global Stroke Alliance 2023, the tangible outcomes of these three days are evident, laying the groundwork for sustained collaboration, advancements in stroke care, and a collective dedication to a stroke-ready future. Looking ahead to the next meeting, we are poised to capitalize on this success, working towards continuous improvement and higher standards in stroke care on a global scale.

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