It’s never too late to celebrate World Stroke Day and to raise awareness about the warning signs, prevention, and treatment of strokes.
This was evident in the capital of the Indonesian province of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), Kupang, where a stroke awareness event was held on 14 and 15 November 2025. Nusa Tenggara Timur is Indonesia’s southernmost province, encompassing over 500 islands.
It may have been two weeks after the official celebration of World Stroke Day on 29 October, but for a region where stroke incidence is driven by high rates of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, devoting not one but two days to this important health concern was just what the doctor ordered.
The event was initiated and conceptualised by Angels consultant Jidin Abdullah and NTT’s neurologists, as well as held in collaboration with the Indonesian Neurological Association (Perdosni). It also saw the birth of a new provincial branch of the Indonesian Neurological Association, Perdosni NTT. Previously, the region fell under Perdosni Bali. The launch of Perdosni NTT would sharpen the focus on stroke in the region, Jidin said.
Jidin believes the region has the opportunity to create a strong stroke network, but that it starts with training the healthcare personnel. The event in Kupang was designed to prepare the region’s health practitioners, including neurologists, nurses, and doctors from 17 hospitals and many first healthcare facilities (Puskesmas), to provide adequate and comprehensive stroke care.
The program was rich with lectures and workshops by highly experienced practitioners, as well as public awareness activations including aerobics and health screenings.
Along with the inauguration of Perdosni NTT, the celebration included the launch of a local branch of Yayasan Stroke Indonesia (YASTROKI), a non-profit organization in Indonesia dedicated to stroke prevention, public education, and patient rehabilitation, as well as a ceremony to recognise the achievements of hospitals.
At the gala dinner that concluded the event, four hospitals received the Perdosni Award for excellence in stroke care. The inaugural Perdosni Award recognises the dedication and teamwork that produce high-quality management of acute stroke. It was no coincidence that the same hospitals were also winners of WSO Angels Diamond Awards, presented at the event.
