Mulago National Referral Hospital has joined the world in commemorating World Stroke Day with a special medical camp held at the Mulago Hospital Parking Grounds, aimed at raising awareness about stroke prevention, management, and recovery.
The event, celebrated every 29th of October, brought together stroke patients, survivors, caregivers, and members of the public, who received free health screening and consultations from medical experts.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, said the hospital organized the activity as part of its ongoing efforts to promote public awareness about stroke, a leading cause of disability and death worldwide.
“Today, we are running our regular stroke clinic in a special way to mark World Stroke Day. Patients with stroke develop symptoms that affect their nervous system, and we have neurophysicians and other specialists attending to them,” Dr Byanyima explained.
She emphasized that early detection and prompt treatment can significantly improve recovery outcomes and reduce complications.
Dr Stephen Matovu Muwonge, a senior consultant at the hospital, explained that stroke can manifest in various forms depending on the affected area of the brain.
“Stroke can affect movement, sensation, and even consciousness," he said.
"It occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted — either due to a blockage or a burst blood vessel — leading to the death of brain cells from lack of oxygen."
He urged the public to recognize early warning signs such as sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, blurred vision, dizziness, or severe headache, and to seek immediate medical care.
The day-long camp offered free blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, stroke risk assessment, and counseling services, aiming to empower communities to adopt preventive lifestyles through healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management.
Mulago Hospital also announced another medical camp on Orthoplastics from Thursday, October 30th to Friday, October 31st, 2025, as part of its ongoing public health outreach programs.
The hospital administration reaffirmed its commitment to supporting patients living with neurological conditions and strengthening preventive care services across the country.
