WORLD NEUROLOGY DAY CELEBRATIONS AT MULAGO HOSPITAL BY NFU

Stroke Outreach at Mulago National Referral Hospital: Advancing Awareness and Access to Care in Uganda

On a remarkable day dedicated to improving neurological health, the Neurology Federation of Uganda (NFU) conducted a high-impact stroke outreach at Mulago National Referral Hospital. The event brought together neurologists, physicians, nurses, medical students, and community members with a shared mission: to raise awareness about stroke, promote early detection, and provide free medical services to those at risk or already affected.

A Day Focused on Saving Lives

The outreach began early in the morning with patient registration and triage. Hundreds of individuals attended, many of whom had limited prior access to neurological care. The team conducted free screenings, including blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, and neurological assessments—key components in identifying individuals at risk for stroke.

Patients found with uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or warning signs of transient ischemic attacks were prioritized for further evaluation. Clinicians offered on-the-spot medical consultations, adjusted medications, and referred critical cases for advanced care within Mulago Hospital.

Health Education and Community Engagement

A central pillar of the outreach was public education. Through interactive sessions, healthcare professionals educated attendees on:

• Recognizing stroke symptoms using the FAST approach (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to seek help)
• The importance of controlling risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and obesity
• Lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, and medication adherence

Educational materials were distributed in local languages to ensure accessibility and understanding across diverse populations.

Free Treatment and Preventive Services

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In line with its commitment to equitable healthcare, the NFU provided free medications for patients diagnosed with or at high risk of stroke. These included antihypertensives, antiplatelet agents, and glucose-lowering drugs.

Additionally, patients who had previously suffered strokes received rehabilitation guidance, including physiotherapy advice and caregiver support strategies. This holistic approach emphasized not just treatment, but long-term recovery and quality of life.

Collaboration and Capacity Building

The outreach also served as a platform for training and mentorship. Medical students and junior doctors worked alongside experienced neurologists, gaining hands-on experience in stroke assessment and management. This initiative contributes to building local capacity in neurology—a critical need in Uganda’s healthcare system.

Impact and Looking Forward

The stroke outreach at Mulago was more than a one-day event—it was a lifesaving intervention and a call to action. By bringing services directly to the people, the Neurology Federation of Uganda demonstrated the power of community-based healthcare in addressing non-communicable diseases.

The success of this outreach underscores the urgent need for continued public education, early screening programs, and strengthened stroke care systems across the country.

As Uganda faces a growing burden of cardiovascular and neurological diseases, initiatives like this serve as a beacon of hope—proving that with collaboration, awareness, and access, many strokes can be prevented, and lives can be saved.