Regions Healthcare Foundation, in partnership with LabRad Diagnostics, Owerri and Regions Stroke Center has strengthened efforts to combat the burden of stroke through a community sensitisation campaign organised to mark the 2026 World Stroke Day in Owerri, Imo State.
The campaign, held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, featured a health awareness walk and free medical screening, with a focus on educating residents about stroke risk factors, preventive healthcare and the importance of immediate medical attention.
The programme was organised around this year’s World Stroke Day theme, ‘Every Minute Counts,’ highlighting the critical relationship between early medical intervention and the prevention of severe complications associated with stroke.
Speaking during the exercise, the President of Regions Healthcare Foundation, Dr. Sherece Akubude, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian health interventions and support for healthcare delivery in the region, particularly specialist healthcare services.
She explained that the Foundation joined the international World Stroke Day campaign to promote awareness of stroke and encourage individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Dr. Anyanwu noted that stroke remains a serious medical emergency, stressing that people suspected of having the condition must be taken to a hospital without delay. She explained that prompt medical attention is essential to protecting brain tissue and improving the chances of a better outcome.
She further advised residents to take the management of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol seriously, identifying these conditions as important contributors to stroke risk.
According to her, regular physical exercise, routine medical examinations and adherence to prescribed treatment are important measures individuals can take to protect themselves against stroke.
The post-walk activities included free blood pressure and blood glucose screening for participants, physical exercise sessions, and rehabilitation education. The rehabilitation component provided information on exercises that can assist individuals caring for stroke survivors.
Also speaking, Prof. Benjamin Anyanwu, Professor of Clinical Neurology and Stroke Services at Regions Healthcare, Owerri, described stroke as a major cause of disability among adults.
He stated that stroke can affect anyone, irrespective of social or economic background, making widespread public awareness essential.
Professor Anyanwu explained that the walk through Owerri was intended to bring stroke education directly to the community and encourage residents to understand the condition, recognise its dangers and embrace preventive health practices.
He also highlighted the importance of the free medical checks conducted after the exercise, noting that participants had the opportunity to assess their blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
The 2026 World Stroke Day campaign concluded with a renewed call for collective responsibility in reducing the burden of stroke through education, prevention, and timely medical intervention.
The awareness walk was attended by members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Owerri Zone, Wakathon Community International, Medical Students from IMO State University (IMSU) and Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) , Partner from Chillis Bar and Grill,
Mangero Table Water alongside other participants.