On October 31, 2026, Cotonou, Benin, hosted a significant dialogue on stroke awareness and prevention. The event, titled "Dialogue Cerveau & Voix," brought together victims of strokes, healthcare professionals, and journalists to share experiences and expertise. Organized by the association AVerCion Aversion, the meeting aimed to raise awareness about stroke, its risk factors, warning signs, and the importance of prompt medical attention. The dialogue was part of a week-long awareness campaign launched on October 25, 2026.
The event featured Hervé Prudence Hessou, president of AVerCion Aversion and the Union of Benin's Media Professionals, who shared his personal experience of suffering a stroke on July 29, 2025. Hessou recounted how a sudden illness struck him while he was with colleagues in Cotonou, and he had to be rushed to the hospital. His testimony served as a reminder that stroke can affect anyone, regardless of social status, and highlighted the importance of recognizing the warning signs and seeking immediate medical attention.
Healthcare professionals, including neurologist Dr. Richard Houeze, cardiologist Dr. Nkié Sylvia Goudou, and specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation Dr. Alexandre D. Faton, provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of stroke, its manifestations, and consequences. They emphasized the need for prompt medical attention and the importance of prevention, particularly in controlling hypertension, a major risk factor for stroke. The specialists also discussed the potential long-term effects of stroke on motor skills, speech, and communication.
The dialogue also highlighted the significance of proper care and support for stroke victims. Orthophoniste Edith Ochoumare Choukpa discussed the communication disorders that can result from stroke, while kinésithérapeute Antoine Dovonon warned against practices that can delay access to proper care, such as consulting traditional healers or fetish priests before seeking medical attention. The experts stressed that timely and appropriate care can significantly impact recovery prospects.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 15 million people worldwide suffer from stroke each year, resulting in nearly 6 million deaths. A survey conducted in Cotonou estimated the prevalence of stroke to be 4.6 per 1,000 inhabitants. Hessou emphasized the need to raise awareness about stroke, stating that it is essential to educate people on what to do in case of a stroke.
The awareness campaign, which ran from October 25 to November 1, 2026, aimed to educate the public about stroke prevention and the importance of prompt medical attention. AVerCion Aversion's initiative seeks to reduce the impact of stroke in Benin by promoting a culture of awareness and prevention. By sharing personal experiences and expert knowledge, the association hopes to empower individuals to take action and make informed decisions about their health.
The dialogue on stroke awareness and prevention in Cotonou concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to combat the effects of stroke. By working together, victims, healthcare professionals, and the media can help reduce the burden of stroke and promote a healthier community. The event demonstrated the commitment of AVerCion Aversion and its partners to raising awareness and promoting prevention strategies in Benin.
Key points
- The association AVerCion Aversion organized a dialogue on stroke awareness and prevention in Cotonou, Benin, on October 31, 2026.
- The event aimed to educate the public about stroke prevention, warning signs, and the importance of prompt medical attention.
- The awareness campaign, which ran from October 25 to November 1, 2026, sought to reduce the impact of stroke in Benin by promoting a culture of awareness and prevention.
