The Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports (MCYS) Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad this morning joined an enthusiastic crowd of around 550 individuals at the World Stroke Day 2024 Walkathon organised by the Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) through the Brunei Neuroscience Stroke & Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC).
Held at the Jalan Menteri Besar Recreation Park in Berakas, the event aimed to raise awareness about stroke, a pressing health issue that ranks as the fourth leading cause of death in Brunei Darussalam.
As the guest of honour, the Minister delivered an impactful speech emphasising the importance of stroke control and prevention.
He remarked, “The World Stroke Day campaign serves as an effective measure to instil awareness in our community about the crucial steps we can take to prevent stroke attacks.”
In his address, he encouraged participants to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including sports, recreational activities, and both physical and mental exercises, which align with the principles of Islamic teachings.
Highlighting the alarming statistics, the Minister noted that approximately 400 stroke cases are recorded each year in Brunei Darussalam. “This campaign is timely, given the rising incidence of strokes in our nation,” he added.
The theme for this year’s Walkathon, “Be #GreaterThanStroke,” aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective stroke prevention and management.
Participants included the Permanent Secretary of MCYS Pengiran Haji Mohammad Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan, senior management from the PJSC, patients and staff, as well as members of the public.
The impressive turnout underscores the community’s dedication to combating stroke risks. The PJSC hopes that the World Stroke Day campaign will inspire individuals to embrace healthier habits and recognise the early warning signs of stroke, ultimately safeguarding their health and that of their loved ones. – James Kon
