Gabon health ministry warns of late stroke arrivals
Nearly 80% of stroke patients reach hospitals beyond the critical window for treatment.
Gabon's Ministry of Health has raised an alarm regarding the late arrival of stroke patients at hospitals, with nearly 80% reaching facilities after the window for effective thrombolysis treatment has closed. This delay significantly hinders efforts to limit lasting damage and save lives, as every minute is critical following a stroke. The Centre hospitalier universitaire de Libreville (CHUL) saw hospital admissions for strokes rise from 42% in 2004 to 62.5% in 2025.
Minister of Health, Pr Elsa Nkana Joséphine Ayo épouse Bivigou, urged the public to recognize stroke symptoms and call for immediate emergency assistance. The CHUL has operated a neurovascular unit since 2021, performing about 20 thrombolysis interventions. Hospital mortality rates for strokes have decreased from 9.5% in 2005 to 3.9% in 2026, but access to treatment is limited by cost, as it is not covered by the CNAMGS.
The ministry advocates for more equitable access to stroke treatments and improved care across the entire chain, from initial alert to rehabilitation. Key stroke symptoms include sudden facial distortion, limb weakness, speech difficulties, and vision or balance problems. The ministry warns that delaying treatment or attempting home remedies can reduce survival and recovery chances. High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, inactivity, excess weight, and heavy alcohol consumption are identified risk factors.
Why it mattersGabonese citizens are at risk of severe disability or death from strokes due to late hospital arrivals and limited access to time-sensitive treatments.