Kenya marks World Stroke Day

Kenya on Saturday joined the rest of the world in marking the World Stroke Day, with doctors calling on the public to go for regular screening to avoid being caught unawares.

According to the World Health Organization, around 15 million people suffer from stroke each year worldwide, while an estimated 5.8 million deaths are attributed to stroke, and in Kenya 3,000 people die yearly from stroke.

Speaking during the ceremony, Doctor Charles Kamotho said that stroke can be caused by so many factors among them high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and tobacco smoking.

Dr Kamotho has now urged the public, especially people aged 30 and above, to go for regular checkups as old age is also a risk factor in stroke, which leads to paralysis.

This year’s theme is Face the Facts: Stroke is Treatable.