The Stroke Association Support Network-Ghana (SASNET-Ghana) has called on the government to prioritize the delivery of stroke care and the provision of essential assistive technologies for stroke survivors.
In a statement released to commemorate the 5th National Stroke Survivors Day, the Executive Director of SASNET-Ghana, Ad Adams Ebenezer, emphasized the need for government investment in initiatives that aim to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life for those affected by stroke.
This statement comes as part of the national effort to raise awareness and promote a better understanding of stroke, its causes, treatment options, and the ongoing challenges faced by stroke survivors.
National Stroke Survivors Day and its Significance
National Stroke Survivors Day is celebrated annually on March 16th in Ghana to highlight the importance of stroke awareness and to offer support to those living with the condition. The day serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with stroke while also recognizing the challenges and triumphs of stroke survivors.
For 2025, the theme of National Stroke Survivors Day is “Rehabilitate, Reintegrate, Renew: Enhancing Stroke Care through Primary Health Care, Towards Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development.”
This theme underscores the need to focus on rehabilitation, reintegration into society, and the renewal of healthcare systems to ensure that stroke survivors receive adequate care. It aligns closely with the broader goals set by the government, particularly President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to improving primary healthcare accessibility for all Ghanaians.
By prioritizing stroke care through primary healthcare, the country can work towards universal health coverage and contribute to sustainable development in the healthcare sector.
The theme not only highlights the significance of accessible stroke care at the primary healthcare level but also calls for greater investments in rehabilitative services, technology, and specialized treatments that stroke survivors need.
SASNET-Ghana views this as a crucial step in ensuring that those affected by stroke can access quality care, and the association has made it clear that such improvements will have a far-reaching impact on the nation’s health outcomes.
Key Demands from SASNET-Ghana
SASNET-Ghana has outlined several critical recommendations and demands to the government and the Ministry of Health to address the gaps in stroke care in the country. One of the primary requests is the provision of essential medical equipment, such as CT scans and MRI machines, in all regional hospitals across the country. These diagnostic tools are essential for the early detection and accurate diagnosis of stroke, which can significantly improve the outcomes for stroke patients.
In addition to these diagnostic machines, SASNET-Ghana advocates for the purchase of rehabilitation robotics to aid in the rehabilitation process for stroke survivors. Rehabilitation robotics can provide enhanced physical therapy options, helping patients regain mobility and improve motor functions. This type of technology is a critical component in the long-term care of stroke survivors, ensuring they receive comprehensive rehabilitation services that are necessary for their recovery.
Moreover, SASNET-Ghana is calling for the expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to cover stroke care. Currently, many stroke survivors face significant financial challenges when seeking treatment, as stroke care can be costly, particularly in the rehabilitation phase. Expanding the NHIS to cover stroke-related services would alleviate the financial burden on patients and ensure that more people have access to the care they need without worrying about the cost of treatment.
The Growing Burden of Stroke in Ghana
The demand for better stroke care and treatment in Ghana is not without justification. According to the Non-Communicable Disease Control Programme of the Ghana Health Service, over 71,985 cases of stroke were reported across the country between 2021 and 2023. This alarming statistic makes stroke the leading cause of both death and disability in Ghana during this period. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2020, over 15,000 people in Ghana died from stroke, which accounted for 8.67% of the country’s total deaths.
These figures highlight the growing burden of stroke on the nation’s health system and the urgent need for a more structured and responsive approach to its prevention, treatment, and management. Stroke not only leads to significant mortality rates but also causes long-term disabilities that affect a person’s quality of life and ability to work. Survivors often face physical, emotional, and social challenges as they try to reintegrate into society, which further emphasizes the need for robust rehabilitation and support systems.
The high incidence of stroke, coupled with its impact on both individuals and families, underscores the importance of preventative measures. Public health campaigns and education about the risk factors for stroke—such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and unhealthy diets—are essential for reducing the prevalence of the disease. Additionally, ensuring that healthcare facilities are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to treat stroke patients is crucial in managing the condition effectively.
Government Action and Public-Private Collaboration
SASNET-Ghana’s call for government action aligns with broader health policy objectives that seek to strengthen the healthcare system and ensure equitable access to care for all Ghanaians. President Mahama’s focus on enhancing primary healthcare services is an important step towards achieving these goals. However, this effort will require the collaboration of various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations.
One of the key components of improving stroke care is the integration of specialized treatment and rehabilitation services into the country’s primary healthcare network. This will not only improve access to stroke care in rural and underserved areas but also reduce the overall burden on tertiary hospitals, which are often overwhelmed with patients. Strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers through training and the development of specialized stroke care protocols will also play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes.
In addition to government-led initiatives, private sector involvement in providing technological solutions, such as rehabilitation robotics, and supporting the training of healthcare professionals can help fill critical gaps in the healthcare system. Public-private partnerships can also lead to innovative approaches for financing stroke care, such as expanding insurance coverage to include stroke-related services.
Conclusion
The call by SASNET-Ghana to prioritize stroke care in the country is both timely and essential. With the rising prevalence of stroke, as well as its significant impact on health outcomes and the economy, it is imperative that the government takes decisive action to improve stroke care and rehabilitation services.
By investing in diagnostic tools and rehabilitation technologies and expanding insurance coverage, the government can help reduce the burden of stroke on individuals and families while also improving the overall health of the nation.
The commemoration of National Stroke Survivors Day provides an important opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by stroke survivors and to call for action that will lead to better outcomes for all. As Ghana strives towards universal health coverage and sustainable development, addressing stroke care will be a crucial aspect of achieving these broader health goals.
