Speech by Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, MDDI & MOH, At Stroke Support Station’s World Stroke Day Celebrations and Open House, 24 October

Ms Chang Hwee Nee, Chairman of Stroke Support Station (S3),

Caregivers, Volunteers & Partners,

Guests and friends,

Good morning. It is a pleasure to be here at S3’s World Stroke Day Celebrations and Open House.

2. Cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, is the fourth leading cause of death in Singapore. Over the span of a decade from 2011 to 2021, the number of stroke episodes in Singapore has increased by over 50%, from 6,100 stroke episodes to 9,600 episodes. This increasing number underscores the importance of taking action in stroke prevention.

Stroke Prevention

3. Age is one of the risk factors for stroke, and in Singapore, the increase in stroke episodes correlates with the demographic shift towards an ageing population. However, there are modifiable risk factors for stroke that we can influence with healthier lifestyle habits. This year’s National Stroke Awareness Campaign by the Stroke Services Improvement (SSI) team set up by the Ministry of Health (MOH) introduces the S.M.A.R.T. approach to stroke prevention. Be Stroke S.M.A.R.T. highlights five key actions to lower the risk of stroke. S.M.A.R.T. stands for: being Smoke-free, taking Meals that are healthy, engaging in Active lifestyle, attending Regular health screening and Taking medications as prescribed by the doctor.

4. Unhealthy dietary habits, in particular, excessive sodium consumption, and smoking are key risk factors which should be addressed to lower the risk of stroke. Singapore residents are on average consuming almost double the daily recommended limit for sodium. To address this concerning trend, MOH and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) have embarked on a sodium reduction strategy since 2022, collaborating with the food and culinary sector to encourage the use of less salt and lower-sodium options. We will also be extending Nutri-Grade labelling requirements and advertising prohibition measures to key contributors of sodium intake, namely pre-packed salt, sauces and seasonings, and instant noodles. These will help consumers identify the products that are higher in sodium, so that they can make more informed, healthier choices. HPB will also continue to engage food businesses to encourage the display of storefront labels that can help consumers identify eateries with healthier dishes.

5. To combat smoking, recent policies which have been implemented include raising the minimum legal age for smoking to 21, implementing standardised packaging, and increasing tobacco taxes in 2023. HPB also runs preventive education campaigns to educate on the harms of smoking, and runs the national smoking cessation programme, 'I Quit’. These multipronged efforts have contributed to a decline in adult smoking prevalence from 13.1% in 2013 to 8.8% in 2023.

The Role of Physical Activity

6. Keeping active is another crucial step we can take to reduce our risk of stroke. Additionally, it plays a vital role in stroke recovery and reduces risk of recurrent strokes. To support and encourage active lifestyles, HPB offers physical activity programmes island-wide for residents of all age groups to engage and achieve recommended levels of physical activity. HPB is also enhancing the Healthy365 app, to list programmes offered by community partners such as SportSG, People’s Association, and Active Ageing Centres, to provide residents with a broader selection of physical activities within the community.

7. I am very pleased to learn that S3 has recently initiated the ‘Walk for Wellness Challenge’ as a proactive measure to promote physical activity among stroke survivors beyond centre-based rehabilitation. Through this programme, participants can use a mobile app to track their progress, achieve milestones, and engage with fellow participants. Congratulations to those who have already completed the first milestone of walking 5 kilometres. Your dedication in this is truly commendable!

Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation

8. Stroke is a contributor of disability in Singapore. After their acute stroke episode, rehabilitation is important for most stroke survivors to help them regain mobility. MOH has developed the National One-Rehab Framework to make rehabilitation more accessible. One-Rehab aims to achieve timely, person-centred and data-driven care for individuals who need rehabilitation through end-to-end tracking of harmonised rehabilitation outcomes across all participating rehabilitation providers in the acute and community settings. Under the National One-Rehab Framework, the Community Rehabilitation Transformation Workgroup has also been established to support initiatives for community practitioners to provide person-centric care in an evidence-based and sustainable way. This includes the development of stroke rehabilitation guidelines to improve stroke care for patients.

Exciting New Initiatives

9. As we move forward, S3 is set to launch Singapore's first stroke-focused Adaptive Gym by mid-2025. This facility will provide a 12-week personalised programme, curated by physiotherapists and implemented under the guidance of rehabilitation trainers to ensure a tailored approach to recovery and functional improvement. This empowers individuals to take control of their recovery journey and aims to transit them towards exercising independently, or at least with minimum assistance, upon completion of the programme.

Closing

10. Addressing the challenges of stroke care requires the collective effort of community partners, healthcare providers, and the government. Therefore I am very grateful for S3’s efforts. I am moved by the presence of numerous community partners gathered here today. Your commitment reflects a dedication to support stroke survivors and their families.

11. Thank you for your continued support. Let’s continue to work together to make a difference in the lives of stroke survivors and their families.