Health minister urges healthier lifestyle at SFF’s World Stroke Day activities |30 October 2021
Minister Vidot addressing the gathering during the ceremony yesterday (Photo: Jude Morel)
On the occasion of World Stroke Day, Minister for Health Peggy Vidot issued a message to citizens to individually take responsibility in leading a healthy lifestyle, and for relatives of loved ones who have suffered from stroke to adequately care for loved ones.
It was during an activity organised by the Seychelles Stroke Foundation (SSF) at the Green Corner building, Providence that the minister made the call, in the presence of Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry Devika Vidot, former member of the National Assembly Charles Decomarmond, member of the National Assembly for Cascade Phillip Monthy, stroke sufferers and their loved ones.
“Today, is the day that the world has dedicated to afford us some time to reflect on strokes for different reasons. It serves to remind us that stroke is a medical emergency which many are still suffering from with many victims around the world, and that the numbers need to be reduced. We as individuals have an important role to play in protecting our health, and eliminate risk-factors from our lifestyles. It also serves to remind us that asides from individual responsibility, we must also be conscious that we also have a responsibility towards our neighbours, our relatives and close ones, to together work collectively to preserve our health and keep strokes at bay,” said Minister Vidot.
“This year, the chosen global theme is ‘Minutes can save lives’. I am happy to see that the SFF is doing a lot to sensitise people about strokes, the signs and symptoms,” Minister Vidot stated, thanking the foundation members for their efforts, commitment and dedication in sensitising the public about strokes and associated risk-factors, as well as the support they extend towards stroke sufferers and the ones caring for them.
Similarly, chief executive of the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps), Alvin Laurence, also pronounced a few words in which he echoed similar sentiments to Minister Vidot in commending the foundation members.
Marathon runner Joel Melanie was also present to remit to the foundation a symbolic donation, after successfully completing his third marathon earlier this year. In total, he donated R34,500 while the Seychelles Police Force (SPF) donated R20,517, raised from the Office Choir competition over last year.