(Bandar Seri Begawan, 29th) On the occasion of World Stroke Day 2025, Brunei’s Minister of Health, Dato Dr. Isham, delivered an important address highlighting the significance of early identification of stroke symptoms and reminded the public to take time-critical actions. The theme aims to raise public awareness about strokes, especially on how to use the BEFAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time) principle to promptly recognize symptoms and take emergency actions.
“Stroke is a disease caused by an interruption in the brain's blood supply, which may be due to a blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). This condition can not only cause permanent brain damage, but may also lead to long-term loss of independence, or even death. There are more than 12 million new stroke cases globally each year, with one occurring every three seconds, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Stroke Organization, one out of every four adults globally might experience a stroke in their lifetime.”
He noted that in Brunei, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, with about 400 new stroke cases recorded annually. According to data from 2020 to 2024, statistics from the Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC) show about 450 cases of ischemic stroke and between 103 to 155 cases of hemorrhagic stroke. The majority of patients are male, and 70% have a history of high blood pressure.
The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that 90% of strokes can be prevented by effective control of major risk factors, including: Hypertension: the main risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular diseases; High cholesterol: fat accumulation causes blood vessels to narrow; Being overweight and lack of exercise: increases the risk of hypertension and diabetes; Smoking: chemicals in tobacco damage blood vessels and increase stroke risk.
Brunei's National Health Survey (STEPS 2015-2016) showed that 35.8% of adults have high blood pressure, nearly half of adults have high cholesterol, and 62.8% are overweight or obese.
To reduce the stroke burden, the Ministry of Health and the Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC) continue to intensify health promotion and risk screening efforts, encouraging the public to participate in health screenings and to promote healthy lifestyles. Thirty minutes of exercise per day, five times a week, can reduce the risk of stroke by 25%. In addition, health apps like BruHealth and BN on the Move help the public track activity levels and promote healthy lifestyles.
Health Minister Dato Dr. Isham reminded the public that if stroke symptoms are suspected, they should conduct a preliminary self-check using the #BEFAST rule. It is essential to promptly call 991 for emergency medical help. The Ministry of Health, BNSRC, and Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) are committed to providing comprehensive rehabilitation services to help patients regain strength and confidence and improve quality of life.
“Let us take this World Stroke Day to reflect together, raise health awareness, and actively change our lifestyles to prevent stroke and maintain a healthy and fulfilling life,” said Dato Dr. Isham.
“Stroke is a disease caused by an interruption in the brain's blood supply, which may be due to a blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). This condition can not only cause permanent brain damage, but may also lead to long-term loss of independence, or even death. There are more than 12 million new stroke cases globally each year, with one occurring every three seconds, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Stroke Organization, one out of every four adults globally might experience a stroke in their lifetime.”
He noted that in Brunei, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, with about 400 new stroke cases recorded annually. According to data from 2020 to 2024, statistics from the Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC) show about 450 cases of ischemic stroke and between 103 to 155 cases of hemorrhagic stroke. The majority of patients are male, and 70% have a history of high blood pressure.
The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that 90% of strokes can be prevented by effective control of major risk factors, including: Hypertension: the main risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular diseases; High cholesterol: fat accumulation causes blood vessels to narrow; Being overweight and lack of exercise: increases the risk of hypertension and diabetes; Smoking: chemicals in tobacco damage blood vessels and increase stroke risk.
Brunei's National Health Survey (STEPS 2015-2016) showed that 35.8% of adults have high blood pressure, nearly half of adults have high cholesterol, and 62.8% are overweight or obese.
To reduce the stroke burden, the Ministry of Health and the Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC) continue to intensify health promotion and risk screening efforts, encouraging the public to participate in health screenings and to promote healthy lifestyles. Thirty minutes of exercise per day, five times a week, can reduce the risk of stroke by 25%. In addition, health apps like BruHealth and BN on the Move help the public track activity levels and promote healthy lifestyles.
Health Minister Dato Dr. Isham reminded the public that if stroke symptoms are suspected, they should conduct a preliminary self-check using the #BEFAST rule. It is essential to promptly call 991 for emergency medical help. The Ministry of Health, BNSRC, and Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) are committed to providing comprehensive rehabilitation services to help patients regain strength and confidence and improve quality of life.
“Let us take this World Stroke Day to reflect together, raise health awareness, and actively change our lifestyles to prevent stroke and maintain a healthy and fulfilling life,” said Dato Dr. Isham.