Bandar seri begawan: Stroke has emerged as the fourth leading cause of death in Brunei Darussalam, with over 400 new cases reported annually. From 2020 to 2024, the Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC) at Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) documented approximately 450 cases of stroke resulting from blocked blood vessels, and between 103 to 155 cases due to ruptured blood vessels each year. The majority of the affected patients are men, with 70 percent having a history of hypertension, as highlighted by the Minister of Health in a message marking World Stroke Day.
According to Radio Television Brunei, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar noted that the national health survey, STEPS 2015-2016, revealed significant risk factors among Bruneian adults aged 18 to 69. The survey found that 35.8 percent have hypertension, nearly half have high cholesterol, and 62.8 percent are obese. Dietary habits are also contributing to the increased risk of stroke.
In response to this health challenge, the Ministry of Health has intensified its efforts to promote early screenings and healthy lifestyles through various health screening programs and campaigns. Collaborating with BNSRC and JPMC, the ministry is enhancing prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for stroke patients. World Stroke Day, celebrated on October 29, emphasizes raising awareness about stroke causes, signs, and prevention, with this year’s theme being “Every Minute Counts.”