Advertorial | MT2020 releases White Paper on care for stroke patients

MT2020 (Mission Thrombectomy), a global campaign of SVIN (Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology), has released “Mechanical Thrombectomy For Acute Stroke. Building Thrombectomy Systems of Care in Your Region: Why and How,” a White Paper targeted to health policymakers that examines the global inaccessibility of the highly effective treatment called Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT) for acute stroke.

The White Paper report calls for increased MT awareness, accessibility, and action on a regional level throughout the world. As a treatment, done ideally within the first 6 hours of the onset of symptoms, it has been established to result in better outcomes. The report was released on October 29, coinciding with World Stroke Day.

Jamaica does not yet have an organised programme that provides national emergency access to acute stroke care.

Being part of a global campaign such as MT2020 will rapidly increase awareness, access, funding and research, ultimately providing a service to all Jamaicans at the recommended international standard. The data on stroke patients and the level of care they receive are as follows, according to MT2020 data:

• Annually approximately 13.67 million people suffer from strokes worldwide.

 • 87% of stroke-related death and disability occur in low- and middle-income countries, like Jamaica.

 • Of the 13.67 million strokes, 20% - 30% are large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes - which are eligible for MT treatment, but only 10% receive this treatment.

• Thus, approximately 2 million people in need of MT do not receive it.

“Thrombectomy care isn't widely accessible,” said Dr. Dileep Yavagal, MT2020+ Global Chair & Past President of SVIN.

“We are calling on public health policymakers to increase physical, financial, and diagnostic access to thrombectomy for LVO stroke patients.”

The White Paper will be disseminated in all 6 continents by the 82 Regional Committees of MT2020.

To learn about MT2020 or to access the “Building Thrombectomy Systems of Care in Your Region: Why and How” report, please visit https://missionthrombectomy2020.org.

For further information about SVIN, please visit www.svin.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

For more information about MT2020 in Jamaica, please contact the English-Caribbean Co-Chairs Dr. Daidre Rowe daidreann@yahoo.com Dr. Francene Gayle drfrancenegaylemd@gmail.com.