Stroke Action Nigeria (SAN) has urged Nigerians to recognise the warning signs of stroke and seek immediate medical attention warning that delays in treatment can increase the risk of death and long-term disability.
The organisation made the call on Thursday to mark World Stroke Day observed annually on October 29.
As part of its awareness campaign SAN said it would take its message to streets and schools to educate Nigerians on stroke symptoms emergency response and prevention.
The campaign themed ‘Know the Signs. #ActFAST. Every Minute Counts’ encourages individuals and communities to identify stroke symptoms promptly and act immediately.
Chief Executive of Stroke Action Nigeria and board member of the World Stroke Organisation Dr Rita Melifonwu said the campaign would focus on both recognising stroke symptoms and knowing the appropriate steps to take when someone suffers a stroke.
She stressed the importance of timely action noting that a swift response could improve outcomes for stroke patients.
She said stroke incidence in Nigeria remained a growing concern particularly where delays in recognising symptoms and accessing appropriate medical care could worsen patients’ conditions.
‘This year Stroke Action Nigeria is collaborating with the World Stroke Organisation Rotaract Club and other partners to raise awareness of stroke signs and symptoms and how to act fast when a stroke happens’ she said.
Melifonwu a member of the WSO Taskforce for Prehospital Care said the organisation was promoting what she described as ‘Stroke Action Awareness’ to ensure that people understood both the warning signs and the appropriate response to a stroke emergency.
‘This means not just being aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke but also knowing what actions to take and doing so when a stroke happens’ she said.
As part of the activities SAN will lead a public awareness rally on October 29 bringing together volunteers health advocates and other supporters to engage Nigerians on stroke recognition prevention and emergency response.
The organisation will promote the internationally recognised FAST approach to identifying common stroke symptoms.
Under the approach F stands for Face urging people to check for drooping on one side of the face; A stands for Arms requiring them to check whether one arm is weak or difficult to raise; S stands for Speech which involves checking for slurred or unclear speech; while T stands for Time emphasising the need to seek emergency medical attention immediately.
SAN advised Nigerians not to wait for symptoms to disappear or rely on home remedies when a stroke is suspected stressing the importance of prompt medical intervention.
It will also use the campaign to educate the public on stroke risk factors including high blood pressure diabetes smoking physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits.
In a related development the organisation has taken its awareness campaign to four secondary schools through its Stroke Champions School Engagement Programme.
The initiative equips students with knowledge of stroke warning signs early intervention and healthy lifestyle choices while encouraging them to share the information with their families and communities.
According to SAN empowering young people with practical knowledge of stroke recognition and response would help build communities better prepared to respond to emergencies.
The organisation said its school-based initiative was part of a broader effort to promote stroke awareness beyond hospitals and healthcare facilities by putting life-saving information in young people’s hands.
Beyond early recognition and emergency response Melifonwu stressed the need for rehabilitation services to improve stroke survivors’ quality of life.
She commended the World Health Organisation’s resolution on stroke rehabilitation adopted in May 2026 saying it underscored the importance of rehabilitation in helping survivors recover and manage the long-term effects of stroke.
‘The imperative for prehospital stroke care and stroke rehabilitation underscores the importance of the work Stroke Action Nigeria has been doing since 2012’ she said.
Melifonwu a nurse consultant in stroke rehabilitation said the organisation’s work helped establish five Life After Stroke Centres across four states in Nigeria.
The centres provide a foundation for supporting stroke survivors beyond the immediate medical emergency including addressing their rehabilitation needs.
SAN said it would amplify its World Stroke Day campaign through public communication channels and digital platforms while calling on individuals families community leaders organisations and other stakeholders to support sustained efforts to improve stroke awareness and access to appropriate care.
The organisation stressed that stroke awareness should not be limited to an annual commemoration but should become a continuous public health priority with greater emphasis on prevention early intervention and rehabilitation.