Stroke Awareness Takes Center Stage in Fiji: Are You Prepared?

Counterstroke Fiji has issued a critical reminder this month: strokes can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, or ethnicity. As part of their ongoing awareness campaign during World Stroke Month, the organization is focused on educating the public about stroke prevention and highlighting the importance of prioritizing preventive measures over treatment.

Elizabeth Reade Fong, president of Counterstroke Fiji, emphasized the urgent need for action, stating that without a concentrated focus on prevention, the nation will face detrimental social and financial impacts. Statistics reveal that one in four individuals will experience a stroke in their lifetime, with cardiovascular diseases significantly increasing stroke risks. Current data show that approximately 2,000 people in Fiji are living with the aftereffects of strokes at any given time.

The organization is actively promoting awareness of stroke symptoms and risk factors, advocating for lifestyle changes to combat the rising incidence of strokes in Fiji, which has been notably increasing over the last four decades. In support of this initiative, Counterstroke Fiji has reached out to local churches to engage leaders in spreading the message of health and prevention during sermons and prayer gatherings.

This month also marks a call to return to healthy living, particularly through the consumption of local produce, as Fong pointed out that dietary shifts over the past 30 years have correlated with an increase in health issues, particularly among those aged 30-50.

The stories of stroke survivors play a vital role in this campaign, as sharing their experiences can inspire others to seek early intervention and rehabilitation support. Through education, awareness, and community involvement, there is hope for a healthier future for all Fijians.

Combined with past reports highlighting the urgent health challenges due to non-communicable diseases like diabetes—responsible for one in three stroke cases—Counterstroke Fiji’s initiative aims to cultivate a supportive environment where healthier lifestyle choices become the norm, leading to improved health outcomes across the nation.

With engaging community events and proactive health measures, there remains an optimistic outlook for reducing the stroke burden in Fiji and enhancing overall community well-being.