The Stroke CARE (Coalition for Acute Stroke Response and Excellence) Meeting recently convened in the Philippines, bringing together a powerful alliance of global and local leaders. Representatives from the World Stroke Organization (WSO), the Stroke Society of the Philippines (SSP), and the Angels Initiative—Boehringer Ingelheim’s global healthcare program—collaborated to advance excellence in stroke response and care nationwide.
Regional stroke champions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao actively participated in discussions aimed at tackling the increasing burden of stroke in the Philippines. The goal was to bridge global standards with localized solutions, ultimately improving Filipinos’ stroke care. Stroke remains a critical public health concern in the Philippines, standing as the third leading cause of death and a primary driver of long-term disability. From January to August 2024 alone, stroke accounted for 34,464 fatalities.
Professor Jeyaraj Pandian, President of the WSO, reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering support for the Philippines. He highlighted the significant progress achieved through the WSO Angels Certification Program. He underscored the vital need for multisectoral collaboration, heightened community awareness, and capacity-building initiatives at all levels of healthcare.
Key priorities that emerged from the discussions include the development of a unified national stroke strategy, enhanced access to timely treatment, the widespread adoption of data-driven tools such as the Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q), and expanded training for frontline health workers. The Angels Initiative remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing stroke care in the Philippines through strategic partnerships, continuous capacity-building efforts, and a shared vision of fostering a stroke-ready nation.
