In a decisive step toward strengthening stroke care across Nepal’s southern region, the city of Birgunj hosted the Stroke Masterclass and Awareness Campaign 2025 on March 28–29. Organized by the Nepal Stroke Project in collaboration with the Nepal Stroke Association and supported by Boehringer Ingelheim, Life Quest, and the National Neuro Center, the two-day event aimed to address both the clinical and community-based challenges of stroke prevention and treatment.
Day One: Building Capacity through Clinical Expertise
The first day featured a comprehensive Stroke Masterclass held at Hotel Sarovar Portico. Fifty healthcare professionals—including neurologists, nurses, physiotherapists, and general practitioners—gathered for an immersive educational experience. Led by national and international stroke experts, the sessions covered acute stroke care, emergency management protocols, secondary prevention, and rehabilitation strategies.
The teaching methodology emphasized interactivity. Participants engaged in case-based learning, evidence-informed discussions, and collaborative problem-solving exercises. Faculty members, including Dr. Lekhjung Thapa, Dr. Raju Poudel, and Dr Patrick Tunkl from the Nepal Stroke Project, offered hands-on insights into system-level improvements and patient-centered care. The masterclass fostered interdisciplinary dialogue, enabling participants to contextualize clinical guidelines within their local practice environments.
Feedback from attendees highlighted the value of the masterclass format. Many reported gaining greater confidence in diagnosing and managing stroke cases—particularly in recognizing early signs, initiating thrombolysis protocols, and coordinating referrals within time-sensitive windows.
Day Two: Empowering Frontline Workers for Community Impact
The second day focused on extending stroke awareness to the primary care level through a Stroke Awareness Campaign. Seventy-nine health representatives from all 32 wards of Birgunj—including OPD in-charges and community health focal points—participated in this outreach initiative. These individuals often serve as the first point of contact for stroke patients and are critical in facilitating early recognition and rapid referral.
The campaign featured interactive lectures, real-world scenarios, and group discussions designed to enhance practical understanding of stroke symptoms such as sudden weakness, confusion, speech difficulty, and visual disturbance. Emphasis was placed on the importance of the “golden hour” and how timely intervention dramatically improves outcomes.
Participants expressed appreciation for the accessible and relevant content. While many had prior exposure to stroke-related concepts, the campaign provided clarity on symptom patterns and reinforced the urgency of acting without delay. The session also cultivated a network of community-based responders who are now better equipped to triage and escalate care when stroke is suspected.
