Know Stroke. Act Fast. Save Lives.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted — either due to a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Without blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes.
Stroke is a medical emergency. Every minute counts.
Emergency — Cameroon
At any sign of stroke, call immediately — do not wait.
Recognize a Stroke — The FAST Method
Face
Sudden facial drooping or numbness on one side.
Arms
Weakness or numbness in one arm — ask the person to raise both arms.
Speech
Slurred speech, confusion, or inability to speak or understand.
Time
Call emergency services immediately! In Cameroon: SAMU 119 (mobile) | Fire 118 | Police 117
Modifiable Risk Factors
You can act on these.
- High blood pressure (hypertension) — the #1 risk factor for stroke
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Physical inactivity and obesity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
- Unhealthy diet
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
Know them to stay alert.
- Age (risk increases after 55)
- Family history of stroke
- Having previously had a stroke or TIA (mini-stroke)
- 012nd
leading cause of death worldwide
- 021 in 4
adults will have a stroke in their lifetime
- 0312M
people worldwide suffer a stroke every year
- 047.5M
die each year, and 4.5 millions are left permanently disabled
- 0580%
of strokes are preventable
- 06Africa
has among the highest stroke incidence and mortality rates in the world
Get informed, take care of your health, protect your brain!
High blood pressure is responsible for over 50% of all strokes — yet most people with hypertension don’t know they have it.
A TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack or “mini-stroke”) is a warning sign that a major stroke may follow. It must be treated as an emergency.
Stroke treatment with thrombolysis is only effective if given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Every minute matters.
Stroke is the leading cause of acquired disability in adults. With proper rehabilitation, many survivors can regain significant function.
Stroke does not only affect older adults — it can strike at any age, including in young adults and even children.
Share these signs around you.
Everyone who knows FAST can save a life. Join the awareness effort.