On June 16, 2024, the Nepal Stroke Association and Neuro and Allied Clinic, in

collaboration with the Nepal Stroke Project, successfully organized the first session of

the Stroke Awareness Program in Tilottama -13, Rupandehi, Lumbini, Nepal. Welcoming

70 participants, the initiative aimed to educate the community about stroke prevention,

early detection, and emergency response. The primary objectives of the program were

to increase awareness about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of stroke, promote

lifestyle changes that reduce stroke risk, teach effective responses to stroke

emergencies, and provide basic health screenings for risk factors such as high blood

pressure and diabetes.

The day’s events began with a welcome session followed by opening remarks. The core

of the program, however, was an educational session on stroke awareness, led by Dr.

Mahesh Raj Ghimire and Dr. Darpan Ghimire, which covered causes, symptoms, risk

factors, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. After a tea break, a Q&A session

allowed participants to engage directly with the medical experts. The program also

included health screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

The program’s success was made possible by a dedicated team led by Program Director

Dr. Lekhjung Thapa and Coordinator Ms. Sulochana Ghimire. Medical experts Dr.

Mahesh Raj Ghimire and Dr. Darpan Ghimire played an important role in delivering the

educational content and participating in the Q&A session. Volunteers from Neuro &

Allied Clinic, Nepal Stroke Association members, and community representatives

assisted with registration, health screenings, and logistical support. The program was

funded by the Nepal Stroke Project.

Stroke Awareness Program effectively reached a diverse audience, fulfilling its

objectives of raising awareness, promoting prevention, and educating on emergency

response. Future initiatives, including workshops with educational material and

collaborations with local organizations, can build on this model, ensuring ongoing

education and support for stroke awareness and prevention.