Around 663 deaths per year are attributed to stroke, which accounts for roughly 13 percent of all deaths in Fiji and is consistently listed amongst the top three to four leading causes of death in Fiji.
Speaking during the Counterstroke Fiji first anniversary, President for Counterstroke Fiji Elizabeth Fong says today is a day dedicated to raising awareness about stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.
While speaking to Year 11 student, she says too many people between the ages of 40-60 are dying because of non-communicable diseases like stroke and diabetes.
Fong says the youths and students will help champion healthy behaviours within their families, schools, campuses and communities.
Fong says many of these conditions are linked to preventable risk factors such as chronic high blood presure, smoking, unhealthy diets physical inactivity, obesity and alcohol use.
She says recognising the signs early and taking medical attention can save lives.
