Stroke has been and continues to be a widespread disease all over the world; it is currently the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death. Stroke was responsible for 116 million days of life lost due to death or disability in 2016. The individual lifetime risk of stroke is currently one in four, and 5.5 million people will suffer from it. The European Stroke Initiative came up with the notion of a day of awareness in the 1990s.

On October 29, World Stroke Day is commemorated to highlight the serious nature and high prevalence of stroke, improve awareness of stroke prevention and treatment, and assure better care and support for survivors. On this day, groups all around the world have organized events centered on education, testing, and attempts to reduce the devastating impacts of stroke globally.

World Stroke Day was observed by the faculty of the Department of Community Health Nursing and students of final year BSc Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE, Manipal, on October 28, 2023, from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm at Dr. TMA Pai Rotary Hospital, Karkala.

The programme began at 10.00 am with a welcome speech by Ms Jhanavi Rajesh, Final BSc Nursing student, MCON. Ms Jeslyn Joseph, a final BSc Nursing student, emphasized this year's World Stroke Day theme “Together we are #GreaterThanStroke." Afterwards, the Chief Guest of the program, Dr Vaibhav, Associate Professor, KMC, MAHE, spoke on stroke and its various aspects. He highlighted the importance of early identification and ‘FAST’ in stroke care. Mr. Johnit George, a student leader from the final year BSc Nursing, proposed the vote of thanks, and the master of the ceremony was Ms Vina Tina, a final year BSc Nursing student. Mrs Hemalatha, ANS, Dr. TMA Pai Rotary Hospital, Karkala and Mrs Anusha, Executive Manager, Dr TMA Pai Rotary Hospital, Karkala were also on the dais.

At 10:30 AM, the Stroke Risk Analysis camp was inaugurated. Screening stations were set up to assess the height, weight, blood pressure, BMI, and blood sugar of the patients. A total of 47 people were screened. The identified risk cases were referred to the OPD of Dr TMA Pai Rotary Hospital, Karkala. The program was winded up by 12.30 pm. Screening and education on stroke risk are associated with SDG 3 - good health and well-being. The overall programme was guided and supported by Mr. Vinish V, Assistant Professor-Senior Scale, Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal.