Every year on October 29th, the world commemorates World Stroke Day. The World Stroke Organization (WSO) launched this worldwide awareness day to give a global forum for the stroke community to raise awareness and promote action on stroke throughout the world. World Stroke Day is an occasion to raise awareness of the serious nature and high incidence of stroke, as well as discuss solutions to lessen the burden of stroke via increased public understanding of stroke risk factors and symptoms.

When someone suffers from a stroke, every second counts. Time is of the essence when brain tissue and millions of neurons begin to fade away. The #Precioustime campaign aims to promote awareness of stroke symptoms and the advantages of receiving emergency medical care as soon as possible. The North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) joins with others around the world in recognizing this year’s campaign, which focuses on promoting awareness of stroke symptoms and the need of early access to effective stroke care.

• Mirza Ali