On October 31, 2026, the Maison des médias Thomas Megnanssan Gbèdjromédé in Cotonou, Benin, hosted a dialogue on stroke awareness and care. The event, organized by the AVerCion Aversion association, brought together stroke victims, caregivers, and media professionals to discuss prevention, recognition, and support. The dialogue was part of a week-long awareness campaign launched on October 25.
The event featured a personal testimony from Hervé Prudence Hessou, president of the AVerCion Aversion association and the Union des professionnels des médias du Bénin (UPMB). He shared his experience of suffering a stroke on July 29, 2025, and emphasized the importance of rapid reaction in such situations. His story set the tone for the dialogue, highlighting the need for awareness and education on stroke prevention and care.
A panel of five specialists, moderated by journalist Zakiath Latoundji, discussed various aspects of stroke care. Dr. Richard Houeze, a neurologist, explained the signs and symptoms of a stroke, the importance of urgent medical attention, and the consequences of a stroke. Dr. Nkié Sylvia épouse Goudou, a cardiologist, discussed the role of hypertension and other risk factors in stroke, as well as the importance of good nutrition in preventing stroke.
The dialogue also featured presentations from Dr. Alexandre D. Faton, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, who compared the effects of a stroke to a disruption in a society's water supply. Edith Ochoumare Choukpa, an orthophoniste, discussed the communication and speech disorders that can result from a stroke, while Antoine Dovonon, a kinésithérapeute, emphasized the importance of prompt medical attention and warned against seeking treatment from traditional healers.
The event highlighted the importance of awareness and education on stroke prevention and care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 15 million people worldwide suffer from a stroke each year, resulting in nearly 6 million deaths. In Cotonou, a survey of over 15,000 inhabitants estimated a stroke prevalence of 4.6 per 1,000 people.
The AVerCion Aversion association was created to raise awareness and promote education on stroke prevention and care. Hervé Prudence Hessou emphasized the need for continued dialogue and collaboration between stroke victims, caregivers, and media professionals to promote awareness and support. The event concluded with a message emphasizing the importance of prevention, recognition, and support for those affected by stroke.
The dialogue demonstrated the commitment of the Benin community to addressing the issue of stroke awareness and care. By bringing together stroke victims, caregivers, and media professionals, the event promoted a unified approach to prevention, recognition, and support. Key points from the event included the importance of rapid reaction in stroke situations, the role of hypertension and other risk factors, and the need for prompt medical attention.
Key points
- The event highlighted the importance of awareness and education on stroke prevention and care in Benin.
- The dialogue emphasized the need for rapid reaction in stroke situations and the role of hypertension and other risk factors.
- The AVerCion Aversion association was created to promote awareness and education on stroke prevention and care in Benin.
