Approximately 400 new stroke cases are recorded every year in Brunei Darussalam, in which 65 per cent of it are from the age group of 60 years and above, and 17 per cent from the age group of 45 years and below. In terms of stroke factor risk, over one third or 36 per cent of adults in the country have hypertension. The Minister of Health stated that among those who are experiencing hypertension, 29 per cent were those who had never been diagnosed with the diseases before. Meanwhile, over 35 per cent of those who have been diagnosed do not follow the instruction of taking their prescribed medicine to control their hypertension, and there are also those who smoke, have diabetes and have high level of cholesterol. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar underlined the matter at the launching of the World Stroke Day 2022 on 13th November morning, at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex.
The Minister of Health said although half of stroke patients have fully recovered, there is a significant number of those who experience long term and permanent functional impairment. This brings to challenges in daily life practically, financially, socially and psychologically, not only to the stroke patients, but also their family and carers. Giving support to caregivers are also important. Aside from that, the public also have a role and responsibility to know about stroke, its early symptoms and related risk factors.
The event continued with an aerobic session and ‘Walk-A-Mile’ Walkathon. Among those present was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. World Stroke Day is celebrated every 29th of October to raise awareness and educate the public on stroke, its symptoms, importance of immediate actions, and treatments to reduce the risk of stroke. This year’s theme was ‘Minutes Can Save Lives’ with the ‘#PRECIOUSTIME’.
Source: Radio Television Brunei