World Stroke Organization

World Stroke Organization

The World Stroke Organization (WSO) is a global organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of stroke. It aims to reduce the global burden of stroke through education, research, and advocacy.

History

The World Stroke Organization was established in 2006 through the merger of the International Stroke Society and the World Stroke Federation. This unification was intended to create a single, powerful voice for stroke advocacy and to enhance the global impact of stroke prevention and treatment efforts.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the World Stroke Organization is to reduce the global burden of stroke through prevention, treatment, and long-term care. The organization works to achieve this mission by:

• Promoting research and education in the field of stroke.
• Advocating for better stroke care and prevention policies worldwide.
• Supporting stroke survivors and their families.
• Raising awareness about stroke and its risk factors.

Activities

The World Stroke Organization engages in a variety of activities to fulfill its mission:

World Stroke Day

The WSO organizes World Stroke Day annually on October 29th to raise awareness about stroke and to promote preventive measures. This event is marked by campaigns and activities worldwide to educate the public about stroke symptoms and the importance of timely medical intervention.

Global Stroke Guidelines and Action Plan

The organization develops and disseminates global stroke guidelines and action plans to improve stroke care and outcomes. These guidelines are used by healthcare professionals and policymakers to implement effective stroke prevention and treatment strategies.

Educational Programs

The WSO offers educational programs and resources for healthcare professionals, stroke survivors, and the general public. These programs aim to improve knowledge and skills related to stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Membership

The World Stroke Organization is composed of individual and organizational members from around the world. Members include healthcare professionals, researchers, stroke support organizations, and other stakeholders committed to reducing the impact of stroke.

Governance

The governance of the World Stroke Organization is overseen by an elected Board of Directors, which includes representatives from various regions and disciplines. The board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization and ensuring the implementation of its mission and objectives.

Partnerships

The WSO collaborates with various international organizations, governments, and non-governmental organizations to advance its goals. These partnerships are crucial for implementing global initiatives and expanding the reach of stroke prevention and treatment efforts.

See Also

• Stroke
• International Stroke Conference
• American Stroke Association