What we do

The World Stroke Organization (WSO) is the world’s leading global organization in the fight against stroke. Each year, over 12 million people suffer from stroke worldwide; of these 7.3 million will die. Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of disability worldwide. At least half of all strokes could be prevented with appropriate public policy action to address risk factors and increased public awareness.

Since being established in 2006, WSO has had many significant achievements. These include, amongst others: close collaboration with WHO and the UN ECOSOC and recognition of the WSO as the lead global stroke body; involvement with the WHO Global Action Plan for Non-Communicable Disease (NCDs); implementation of a wide range of educational activities conducted around the world such as the ABC programme and the on-line learning resource the World Stoke Academy; a highly successful international journal, the International Journal of Stroke, which has achieved an impact factor of 4; many thousands of people in countries across the world each year raising awareness of stroke on the annual World Stroke Day; collaborations with a wide variety of global, regional and national organisations; the launch of The Global Bill of Rights; the launch of Global Stroke Services Guidelines and Action Plan; the Toolkit for formation of Stroke Support Societies; and very successful World Stroke Congresses which have provided a stimulus for regional policy initiatives in stroke.

Become a Member

WSO membership connects you to a global network of people who are committed to and support each other to improve stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and support.

Why join us?