Act Fast.
Save Brain Cells. Save Lives.
Improve Stroke care in Rwanda.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate recognition and rapid access to care. Stroke Action Rwanda works to address iniquities in stroke treatment by reducing isolation, improving public awareness, calling on the government to invest in stroke care and treatment, community engagement, and outreach. Every minute counts. Rapid action protects brain function, independence, and quality of life.

Recognize the Signs Our Higher Purpose

Our Core Focus Areas

We deliver a comprehensive, continuum-of-care approach to stroke in Rwanda — integrating public education, risk reduction, emergency response, acute management awareness, rehabilitation, and caregiver support.

Recognize Stroke. Respond Immediately.

Stroke symptoms appear suddenly and require urgent medical attention. Delayed treatment leads to irreversible brain injury.

Prevention & Risk

Up to 80% of strokes are linked to modifiable risk factors. We focus on:

Blood pressure control
Diabetes management and high cholesterol

Recovery & Life After Stroke

Rehabilitation Restores Function and Independence. Stroke recovery does not end at hospital discharge. Long-term outcomes depend on access to structured, multidisciplinary rehabilitation services.

Caregiver Support

Supporting Those Who Support Survivors. Stroke affects entire families. Caregivers play a critical role in long-term recovery and daily care.

Medical Guidance

Think F.A.S.T. – Act Immediately

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted due to a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes.
Time-sensitive treatments are most effective when delivered rapidly after symptom onset.

Face

Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

Arms

Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak?

Speech

Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?

Time

Seek emergency medical care immediately.

If you observe any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately. Every minute of delay increases the risk of permanent disability. If you suspect a stroke, do not wait. Immediate medical evaluation is critical to determine the type of stroke and initiate appropriate treatment.

Our Higher Purpose

Stroke Action Rwanda is committed to reducing stroke-related death, disability, and socioeconomic impact through:

Our Mission

To reduce the incidence, recurrence, , and long-term disability associated with stroke in Rwanda through integrated prevention, advocacy for equitable access to acute stroke treatment, structured -rehabilitation, caregiver support, and health system strengthening.

Our Vision

A Rwanda free of severe stroke, where stroke prevention is prioritized within national NCD strategies, where acute stroke care is accessible, where multidisciplinary rehabilitation services are available across the continuum of care, and where every person affected by a stroke receives comprehensive long-term support.

Understanding the Science

Not all strokes are the same. Understanding the difference is vital for medical treatment.

1. Ischemic Stroke: The most common type, caused by a blood clot that blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain.
3. TIA (Mini-Stroke): is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. TIA symptoms are similar to stroke symptoms but typically resolve within minutes or hours without permanent brain damage. However, a TIA is a serious warning sign of a possible future stroke.

Real Stories. Real Impact.

Personal stories from stroke survivors, caregivers, and health workers highlighting resilience and hope.

Survivor

My Stroke Journey: A Story of Survival and Resilience

My name is Alexia Uwajeneza, and I am 46 years old. I have been living with the effects of a stroke for

Caregiver

Caregiver Supporting Stroke Recovery in the Community

Akimanizanye Epiphanie – Family Caregiver In March 2020, my husband suffered a stroke, and since

Health Professional

Bridging the Gap

I'm Jean Paul Hakizimana, a senior Physiotherapist with more than 10yrs experience working in

Our Community in Action

A glimpse into our workshops, awareness campaigns, and community outreach programs across Rwanda.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stroke? +

A stroke is a serious medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. This can happen due to a blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel causing bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Without oxygen and nutrients from blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes. Immediate stroke treatment is critical to reduce brain damage, long-term disability, and death. Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide, including in Rwanda.

What are the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke? +

Stroke symptoms appear suddenly and require urgent medical attention. Use the F.A.S.T. method to recognize stroke:
 Face drooping – One side of the face becomes weak or numb.
 Arm weakness – One arm feels weak, numb, or cannot be raised.
 Speech difficulty – Speech is slurred or difficult to understand.
 Time to go to the hospital immediately.
Other stroke symptoms may include sudden vision problems, confusion, severe headache, dizziness, or loss of balance. Early treatment significantly improves survival and recovery outcomes.

Can stroke be prevented? +

Yes, stroke prevention is possible in many cases. The most important risk factor is high blood pressure (hypertension). Other major stroke risk factors include diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity. To reduce stroke risk:
 Monitor and control blood pressure regularly
 Maintain a healthy diet low in salt and saturated fats
 Exercise consistently
 Avoid tobacco use
 Limit alcohol intake
 Manage chronic conditions with medical guidance
Preventive care and regular medical check-ups play a vital role in reducing stroke incidence in Rwanda and globally.

What is a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) or “mini-stroke”?+

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. TIA symptoms are similar to stroke symptoms but typically resolve within minutes or hours without permanent brain damage. However, a TIA is a serious warning sign of a possible future stroke. Anyone experiencing TIA symptoms should seek immediate medical evaluation to prevent a full stroke through early treatment and risk management.

How does Stroke Action Rwanda support stroke survivors and families?+

Stroke Action Rwanda works to combat stroke through prevention, effective treatment awareness, and long-term support initiatives. We:
 Promote public education on stroke symptoms and prevention
 Advocate for timely access to stroke treatment and rehabilitation
 Support stroke survivors and caregivers through awareness and community engagement
 Encourage improved long-term care services and disability support
Our vision is a Rwanda where stroke is prevented whenever possible and every person affected by stroke has access to timely care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.