Key advocacy priorities

Stroke is gaining ground globally. Over the past 10 years the lifetime risk of stroke in adults over 25 has risen to 1 in 4. Stroke is now the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of disability globally. Without action, the global economic cost of stroke looks set to hit US$1.6 trillion by 2050. WSO is working with our members, partners and governments around the world to support urgent, evidence-based action on stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and long-terms support.

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WSO Prevention Policy Priorities

Averting a Global Health Crisis

Prevention is the most effective and cost-efficient way to reduce the stroke burden. Over 80% of strokes are associated with identifiable risk factors for which there are clear, evidence-based interventions that demonstrate strong return on investment. For every $1 invested in stroke prevention, society sees a $10 return. This policy brief, outlines key challenges and opportunities to reduce the global burden of stroke and drive more equitable health outcomes through evidence-based interventions that will assist governments deliver on their commitments and accelerate progress towards SDG3 .

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WSO Acute Treatment Policy Priorities

Time for a Revolution in Stroke

Advances in stroke care mean that more than ever stroke is a highly treatable condition. However access to acute care is limited to just a fraction of stroke patients worldwide. Improving access to thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy requires commitment from governments, investment and concrete actions, but with 7 million deaths a year from stroke the cost of inaction is too high.

This policy brief sets out key policy recommendations to assist governments with evidence based actions to establish effective systems for acute stroke care in all resource settings, that have the potential to save millions of lives and improve outcomes for millions of people worldwide.

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Harnessing the potential for SSOs to advance global advocacy priorities

Following the launch of the WSO global policy advocacy goals, Dr Michelle Nelson, VP of WSO and co-Chair of the WSO Stroke Support Organization Committee explores how we can harness the potential of stroke support organizations to improve long-term support for stroke survivors, family and carers.

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