Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
The World Stroke Congress 2024 kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, bringing together leading experts and researchers from around the globe to address one of the most pressing health challenges both locally and globally.
In the UAE, strokes claim the lives of 9,000 to 12,000 individuals annually, many under the age of 45, the event heard.
The congress organisers stressed the urgency for innovative solutions and enhanced care systems.
Hosted by the SKSI, in collaboration with the World Stroke Organisation, the congress will run until October 26.
Now in its 16th edition, it aims to foster international cooperation among medical professionals and researchers, focusing on the latest developments in stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Dr. Victor Urrutia, director of SKSI and a prominent stroke specialist, said that the UAE has emerged as a global hub for stroke care expertise.
"Abu Dhabi is becoming a centre of excellence, where international medical knowledge converges to address stroke management effectively," he said.
On Monday, attendees engaged in discussions that cover a wide range of topics, from the mechanisms of healthcare accreditation for stroke care to the establishment of tele-stroke networks.
One of the more nuanced sessions of the day included a talk about the mental health challenges associated with stroke victims, and their careers.
During a panel, Marco, a panellist and former patient shared the enormous impact that stroke could have on mental health.
"Everyone is on the stroke bus, if I am suffering others are suffering with me. We need to leverage and advocate for stroke as part of mental health strategies and services," he said.
The congress also saw talks held on the growing influence of AI and Big Data on preventing and predicting stroke as well as new ways of public education surrounding stroke symptoms.
Prior to the congress, a Nursing Workshop, where nursing and therapy specialists focussed on advanced stroke management techniques.
This corresponded to a number of public information events held at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, which included free testing.
The World Stroke Congress will also feature sessions dedicated to the latest research in neuroplasticity, a key area in stroke recovery that explores how the brain can reorganise itself after injury.
By understanding these mechanisms, healthcare providers hope to develop more effective rehabilitation strategies tailored to individual patient needs.
