October 29 marks World Stroke Day, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness of one of the world’s most urgent medical crises. Each year, around 12 million people suffer a stroke — that’s one every two seconds — and one in four people will experience one in their lifetime.
Monaco’s Stroke Association (Monaco AVC) is calling on residents, survivors, families, and healthcare professionals to unite in support of this year’s global theme, “Every Minute Counts.” The association will host a community gathering at 18:00 in the Fairmont Sapphire Lobby to highlight the importance of stroke awareness, rapid response, and improved rehabilitation services in the Principality.
“A stroke occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain is suddenly cut off. Every minute without treatment kills millions of brain cells, drastically reducing the chance of recovery. Swift intervention can mean the difference between life and death — or between independence and lifelong disability,” Monaco AVC’s Steven Saltzman told NEWS.MC. Monaco’s acute stroke patients are transported directly to the Stroke Unit at Hospital Pasteur, CHU Nice, where rapid intervention can significantly improve survival rates and outcomes.
Knowing how to spot the signs of stroke is critical. The FAST method can help save lives: F stands for facial weakness, A for arm weakness, S for slurred speech, and T for time to call for help. If any of these signs appear, dial 112, Monaco’s unified emergency number. Emergency teams will respond immediately.
The Monaco Stroke Association represented the Principality at the World Stroke Congress 2025 in Barcelona last week, where global leaders in stroke research, treatment, and rehabilitation unveiled major advancements. These included AI-driven imaging, a new blood diagnostic test, and a promising drug from Bayer aimed at reducing recurrent strokes. Experts also highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary rehabilitation, incorporating speech therapy, yoga, art therapy, and mental health support, as new studies reveal high rates of depression and anxiety among survivors.
Monaco AVC continues to promote education and professional training within the Principality’s healthcare system, pushing for greater support for stroke survivors and their families. As the association stresses, every minute truly counts — both in treatment and in prevention.
For more information on stroke awareness initiatives or to get involved in local activities, visit MonacoAVC.mc.
Image: Monaco AVC’s Steven Saltzman at the World Stroke Congress 2025 in Barcelona
