Stroke Action Nigeria takes #ActFAST campaign to streets for World Stroke Day
- Stroke Action Nigeria is marking World Stroke Day with a street rally to teach Nigerians the warning signs of stroke.
- The group says delays in seeking care cost lives and leave survivors with lasting disability.
- It urges Nigerians not to wait for symptoms to pass or try home remedies before getting medical help.
Stroke Action Nigeria (SAN) is taking its stroke awareness campaign to the streets today, Thursday, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Stroke Day. The group says knowing the warning signs and acting fast can be the difference between survival, disability and death.
The campaign, tagged “Know the Signs. #ActFAST. Every Minute Counts,” centres on a public rally. Volunteers, health advocates and supporters will use educational materials and direct conversations to show people how to spot a suspected stroke and respond quickly.
SAN warned that many Nigerians wait for symptoms to disappear or turn to home remedies before seeking medical care. It said a suspected stroke should be treated as a medical emergency, even when the signs look mild or fade after a short while.
What the FAST signs mean
The campaign uses the internationally recognised FAST approach:
- Face: check whether one side of the face droops.
- Arms: test whether one arm is weak or hard to raise.
- Speech: listen for slurred or difficult-to-understand speech.
- Time: get emergency medical attention immediately.
Dr. Rita Melifonwu, Chief Executive of SAN and a board member of the World Stroke Organisation, signed the statement. She said awareness must go beyond knowing the symptoms to actually acting without delay. She described the approach as “Stroke Action Awareness” in the organisation’s position paper on prehospital care.
The campaign is also highlighting risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets. SAN urged Nigerians to pay attention to these risks and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Schools and survivors
Ahead of the commemoration, SAN took the message to four secondary schools through its Stroke Champions School Engagement Programme. Students were taught the signs, the importance of early intervention and healthy living, and are encouraged to pass the information on to their families and communities.
Melifonwu welcomed the World Health Organisation resolution on stroke rehabilitation adopted in May 2026, saying it underlines the role of rehabilitation in recovery. She said SAN has been pushing these priorities since 2012, and its work led to five Life After Stroke Centres across four states, which support survivors and their access to care after a stroke.
The organisation said stroke awareness should not be limited to one day a year. It called on individuals, families, community leaders and organisations to back the campaign and help more Nigerians recognise the signs.
