Empowering Youth as Public Health Ambassadors to reduce the burden of Stroke on the Society
Balasore November 12, (Krushna Kumar Mohanty) Brain stroke has emerged as one of the most alarming public health challenges globally — claiming millions of lives and leaving many others disabled each year. Raising awareness, especially among the youth, is crucial for prevention, early recognition, and timely response to this silent killer.
In response to this growing concern, the IFI Foundation, a member of the World Stroke Organisation (WSO), organised a special youth awareness program titled ‘Spot Stroke, Save Lives’ in collaboration with the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Berhampur University, on Monday.
Prof. Geetanjali Dash, Vice-Chancellor, Berhampur University, commended the initiative, stressing the importance of youth involvement in public health advocacy. “Economic prosperity thrives when education empowers minds and public health strengthens lives. The growing incidence of brain stroke is a major public health challenge that calls for urgent attention. Our youth can play a transformative role in curbing this menace by spreading awareness, promoting healthy habits, and becoming responsible health ambassadors. Initiatives like ‘Spot Stroke, Save Lives’ inspire them to take proactive steps toward a stroke-free society,” said Prof Dash.
Underscoring IFI Foundation’s continuing efforts, Nilambar Rath, Chair, IFI Stroke Initiative, said, “For the last three years, IFI Foundation along with our partners has been leading the Stroke-Mukt Jeevan campaign as a multi-pronged public health outreach movement in Odisha and beyond. This year, at Berhampur University, we are preparing students to be ‘Stroke Spotters’ — so that today’s youth, can become tomorrow’s ‘Stroke Yodhas’ in the fight against this emergency."
The program commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Bandita Kumari Panda, HoD, Dept. of JMC, emphasizing the importance of youth-driven health communication. A special audio-visual capsule on Brain Stroke Prevention and Management was screened, followed by the unveiling of campaign newsletters and awareness posters.
Renowned public health expert Dr. Saroj Kumar Misra delivered an expert session on the medical aspects of brain stroke, while Prof. Sukanta Kumar Tripathy, Chairman, PG Council, shared insights on the global rise in stroke cases and highlighted on the role of youth empowered through similar programs. Prof Tripathy stressed that prevention is better than cure when it comes to strokes and youth can play a big role in achieving the objective.
Students, officials, teaching and non-teaching staffof Berhampur University actively participated in the event showcasing creative displays and messages from digital poster competition held by the IFI based the themes of World Stroke Organization. A collective Stroke Awareness Pledge Ceremony was also held, where attendees committed to spread the life-saving message — Spot Stroke, Save Lives.
Co-Chair, IFI Foundation Pranati Parida joined the program and inspired participants to actively champion the cause of stroke prevention and awareness. On behalf of OdishaLIVE, Amit Kumar Mohanty presented the vote of thanks, while Sushreesmita Behera anchored the event. Among others, Sitansu Sekhar Sutar, Priyanka Sucharita and Smrutirekha Panigrahi conducted the program.
The event was a part of IFI Foundation’s broader annual public health outreach campaign ‘Stroke-Mukt Jeevan’ (Stroke-Free Life), observed around World Stroke Day every year.
The campaign 2025 was organised in collaboration with OdishaLIVE and Swasthya Plus as outreach partners. Similarly, Berhampur University joined as the academic partner, Radio Bhubaneswar as Radio Partner while Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd and TiE Bhubaneswar extended their support as Ecosystem Partners.
