Top 10 facts about stroke

Key facts for Fiji and the Pacific, stroke awareness saves lives and brain function.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Fiji. A significant number of Fijians are affected by stroke each year.
Stroke can happen at any age. Globally, around one in four adults will have a stroke in their lifetime.
Many people in Fiji live with the ongoing effects of a previous stroke—support for survivors and carers remains vital across communities.
Stroke is among Fiji’s major health burdens; it affects women and men in all age groups and requires urgent public recognition.
Stroke places a heavy load on Fijian families, the health system and the wider economy, including healthcare costs, lost productivity and unpaid care.
More than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented through healthy living and control of blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and other risk factors.
A large proportion of strokes occur in people under 65 years, including working-age Fijians who may not expect to be at risk.
People in rural, maritime and outer-island areas of Fiji may face higher stroke risk and greater difficulty reaching emergency hospital care in time than those in urban centres such as Suva.
When a stroke strikes, up to about 1.9 million brain cells may be damaged each minute, calling for help immediately is essential.
Without stronger prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, the number of strokes in Fiji and the Pacific is expected to rise in the coming decades.

The FAST test

The FAST test is an easy way to recognise and remember the signs of stroke.

Using the FAST test involves asking these simple questions:

Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

Arms – Can they lift both arms?

Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 7905007 straight away.