More than 3,000 rally to mark National Stroke Day

Thursday, 10 March 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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In commemoration of National Stroke Day, a walk was organised by Gateway College Negombo, Ave Maria Convent Negombo and the National Stroke Association. With over 3,000 participants rallying for this worthy cause, the walk was held under the patronage of Chief Guest, the Director General of Health Services Dr Palitha Mahipla. State Minister of Urban Planning and Water Supply Dr.Sudarshani Fernandopulle was also present at the event which was held in Negombo recently. The walk was followed by a stroke awareness program and free health screening for the people in the area.

A stroke is one of the main causes of death and disability worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one in six people will suffer a stroke during their lifetime. One-third of those who develop a stroke die, one-third become disabled, and only one-third remain independent in their daily activities after a stroke.

Over the years, the National Stroke Association of Sri Lanka has been organising various activities to promote stroke awareness and to improve stroke care in the country. These have included stroke awareness walks, public educational programs, training programs for healthcare workers and stroke caregivers, and health screening clinics. The Stroke Walk has been traditionally held in Colombo, but last year, the Association decided to conduct the walk in other parts of the country in order to improve public awareness in these areas. The first such walk was held last year in Kandy.