Sri Lanka Stroke Association strikes gold

By Quintus Perera

The World Stroke Organisation (WSO) adjudged the National Stroke Association of Sri Lanka (NSAS), the Gold Winner Award for the various activities carried out by NSAS for World Stroke Day held in October 2009 under its President Dr. Padma S. Gunaratne, Consultant Neurologist.

The WSO stated that the message of the World Stroke Day 2009 was pro-actively conveyed in all regions of the world through a variety of interesting and innovative projects and initiatives. The competition to promote the activities worldwide was organised for the first time to enhance stroke awareness and understanding of preventive measures against the growing epidemic of stroke on a global level.

Fifty six registrations from 30 countries were received by the WSO for this competition. The NSAS was presented the Gold award while Brazilian Academy of Neurology with Brazilian Society of Cerebrovascular Diseases and A.L.I.Ce. Italia Onlus, Rome, Italy were awarded the Silver and Bronze awards.

The NSAS organized a series of activities to disseminate knowledge on stroke symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and management strategies of stroke among the Sri Lankan population over the month from October 25, 2009. All activities were carried out in collaboration with the Ministries of Health Care and Nutrition (MOH) and Social Services and Social Welfare (MOSS).

The main sponsor was the Country Office of the World Health Organization.

Of the large number of activities organised by the NSAS to mark the Day were the media conferences, a video documentary depicting stroke symptoms, risk factors and treatment strategy, displaying hoardings to educate public on stroke prevention strategies, distributing social benefits provided by Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare among stroke victims.

Coordination of Ministries of Health Care and Nutrition and Social Services and Social Welfare to appoint councillors and social workers to serve stroke patients treated in hospitals, printing a booklet named “Social Services for Stroke Victims” giving information of all provisions of social benefits available for disabled people and organising a stage play depicting the stroke care by the staff of the stroke unit of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka.

Courtesy: Asian Tribune