World Stroke Day: Experts reveal stroke kills 60 in 1,000 Cameroonians yearly.

This was as Cameroon joined the international community to mark World Stroke Day. The commemoration took place at the Yaounde Central Hospital. The Day was celebrated in the country under the theme: “Life after Stroke”. 

It was chaired by the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie. This was in the presence of health authorities, technical and financial partners, medical professionals and the media. 

The event featured a scientific conference and an open-door day, aimed at educating the public about stroke prevention, treatment and post-stroke care.

In his keynote address, Dr Manaouda reminded participants that stroke remains the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. 

According to the National Epidemiological Bulletin, Cameroon records an average of 85 stroke cases per 100,000 consultations, confirming the disease as a major public health concern.

He attributed progress in the fight against stroke to reforms initiated by the Head of State, who he said has been working to strengthen hospital infrastructure and integrating hypertension and diabetes screening, the main risk factors into primary healthcare services.

He also acknowledged persistent challenges such as limited prevention, poor access to specialized care, the absence of rehabilitation facilities and late hospital admissions by patients.

He stated that to address the gaps, the Ministry of Public Health plans to intensify primary prevention, enhance staff training and expand post-stroke rehabilitation programmes nationwide. 

“Thanks to rehabilitation, this victory is complete and translates into restored dignity, reduced dependence, and regained autonomy,” the minister said, while calling for a national mobilisation toward a more resilient and patient-centered healthcare system.

“Every stroke that is prevented or treated quickly and appropriately is a victory for the individual, the family, and society,” Dr Manaouda concluded, expressing gratitude to healthcare personnel and partners for their unwavering commitment to saving lives.

As part of the day’s activities, participants benefitted from free consultations to screen for hypertension and diabetes.

The scientific conference provided a platform for medical experts to share strategies on early detection, rapid intervention and family support for stroke survivors.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3615 of Tuesday November 04, 2025