By Maheesha Mudugamuwa
Strokes claim 5.5 million victims annually. It’s the fifth major cause of death in Sri Lanka, claiming 25,000 lives annually and leaving many permanently disabled.
Ministry of Health, Non-Communicable Disease Unit, Dr Virginia Mallawarachchi said that the effects of strokes are long lasting and rehabilitation of stroke victims was as important as treatment.
She pointed out that the causes of stroke can be attributed to a lack of a proper diet, lack of exercise, smoking, stress, obesity and high blood sugar level.
"We are conducting district level awareness programmes and a community-based rehabilitation programme to help stroke victims overcome a stroke and prevent another one," she added.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in six people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime. Stroke is the second leading cause of death for people above the age of 60, and the fifth leading cause in people aged 15 to 59. Stroke also attacks children, including newborns.
According to sources strokes affect 11 patients per 1,000 in Sri Lanka.
According to the WHO, stroke is the world’s main cause of adult disability. The cost involved in the management of stroke could be important enough to have an impact on the economy of a country.
World Stroke Day lifts people’s awareness on stroke and what can be done to combat it, which is observed on October 29 every year.
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