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Dr Prince Nelson Mortoti, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PIWAK Natural Health ,producer of 3P Garlic Mixture, has thrown his support behind the Ghana Health Service (GHS) as the country joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Stroke Day on October 29, 2026.
The annual observance seeks to raise awareness of stroke, its devastating consequences, the importance of early recognition and the need for effective preventive measures to reduce the growing burden of the condition.
This year’s commemoration is being held under the theme, “From Data to Action: Addressing Ghana’s Escalating Stroke Epidemic.”
The theme underscores the need for Ghana to translate available health information and research into practical interventions that will strengthen public education, promote early diagnosis, improve treatment and rehabilitation services, and ultimately reduce stroke-related deaths and disabilities.
Dr Mortoti’s endorsement of the GHS campaign reflects the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals, businesses, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in tackling the growing public health challenge.
As a leading figure in Ghana’s herbal health industry, the PIWAK CEO is expected to use his platform to encourage healthy living, responsible healthcare decisions and greater public awareness of conditions that pose serious risks to individuals, families and communities.
STROKE: A MAJOR PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN.
Stroke remains a serious medical emergency that can result in death or long-term disability when prompt medical attention is not received.
The condition occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, depriving brain cells of oxygen and essential nutrients.
Without timely treatment, the affected brain cells can become damaged or die, potentially leaving survivors with difficulties involving movement, speech, memory and other essential functions.
The consequences often extend beyond the patient, placing considerable emotional, physical and financial demands on family members and caregivers.
For Ghana, addressing the challenge requires a comprehensive approach that combines public education, early identification of risk factors, access to quality healthcare and sustained support for stroke survivors.
Health professionals have consistently emphasised the importance of controlling high blood pressure, managing diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and limiting excessive alcohol consumption as part of efforts to reduce stroke risk.
Regular medical check-ups are also important because some underlying conditions that increase the risk of stroke may not produce obvious symptoms in their early stages.
EARLY RECOGNITION CAN SAVE LIVES
A critical component of the World Stroke Day campaign is the need to educate the public on how to recognise the warning signs of stroke and respond without delay.
Common warning signs include sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body; sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech; sudden loss of vision; dizziness or loss of balance; and an unexplained, severe headache.
Members of the public are encouraged to seek emergency medical attention immediately when these symptoms occur.
Waiting for symptoms to disappear or relying solely on home remedies can delay access to lifesaving treatment and increase the likelihood of permanent disability.
Even when symptoms resolve after a short period, urgent medical assessment remains necessary because they may indicate a transient ischaemic attack, which can signal an increased risk of a subsequent stroke.
The Ghana Health Service’s World Stroke Day campaign therefore provides an important opportunity to strengthen public understanding of the condition and encourage individuals to take preventive health measures seriously.
PIWAK CEO’S SUPPORT FOR PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE
Dr Mortoti’s support for the GHS initiative also draws attention to the role that private health-sector stakeholders can play in complementing national health education efforts.
PIWAK Natural Health Clinic, under his leadership, operates within Ghana’s herbal health sector, while its 3P Garlic Mixture is one of the products associated with the company.
The growing interest in herbal preparations and natural health products makes it particularly important for public education to be guided by credible scientific evidence, responsible product communication and appropriate medical advice.
Although garlic contains compounds that have been studied for their potential effects on cardiovascular health, such evidence should not be interpreted as proof that a garlic preparation can prevent or treat stroke.
There is no established basis for presenting 3P Garlic Mixture as a substitute for prescribed medication, emergency stroke treatment or other evidence-based medical interventions.
People living with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or other conditions that increase stroke risk should consult qualified healthcare professionals about appropriate prevention and treatment options.
They should also inform their healthcare providers about any herbal preparations they use, as some products may interact with prescribed medicines.
The support of industry stakeholders for World Stroke Day is therefore most meaningful when it reinforces accurate health information and encourages the public to seek timely, professional medical care.
FROM DATA TO ACTION
The 2026 World Stroke Day theme places emphasis on moving beyond the collection of health statistics to implementing interventions that produce measurable improvements in public health.
This includes using reliable data to identify populations at increased risk, strengthening screening programmes, improving access to essential medicines, supporting healthcare workers and expanding public education on the warning signs and risk factors associated with stroke.
There is also a need to improve rehabilitation services and provide appropriate support for survivors as they work towards recovery and reintegration into their communities.
Community leaders, healthcare institutions, private businesses and the media all have important roles to play in communicating accurate information and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
For the media, sustained reporting on stroke prevention, treatment and recovery can help counter misinformation and ensure that public awareness extends beyond the annual commemoration.
For individuals, the message is equally clear: knowing one’s blood pressure and blood sugar levels, following prescribed treatment, eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can contribute to better cardiovascular health.
A CALL FOR COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
As Ghana marks World Stroke Day, Dr Mortoti’s support for the Ghana Health Service’s awareness campaign highlights the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the country’s health challenges.
The commemoration serves as a reminder that preventing stroke requires more than occasional awareness campaigns. It demands sustained investment in healthcare, stronger community engagement, responsible health communication and individual commitment to preventive care.
With stroke capable of affecting people across different age groups and backgrounds, greater public awareness and prompt access to medical attention remain essential to reducing its devastating consequences.
The overarching message of this year’s campaign is that available health information must translate into practical action.
By supporting public education and encouraging evidence-based approaches to prevention, stakeholders such as PIWAK can contribute to a broader national effort to protect lives, reduce avoidable disabilities and improve the well-being of Ghanaians.
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