A FOUR-YEAR-OLD child in the Northern Division is among the youngest stroke patients recorded in Fiji.
While stroke is common for older adults, cases among younger people are also being recorded, says Labasa Hospital medical registrar Dr Avneel Chandra.
“We have even seen a four-year-old child suffer a stroke in the North,” Dr Chandra said.
He said stroke was no longer a condition affecting the elderly, as lifestyle diseases and other medical conditions continued to push cases across all age groups.
“Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability in Fiji and is contributing to long-term health challenges for families and communities.”
Presenting at the Fiji Medical Association mini conference at the Ramada Hotel in Labasa, he said many stroke patients were left with lifelong disabilities, requiring ongoing care and support from relatives and health services.
“Early detection and rapid treatment are critical, but access to diagnostic tools remains a challenge, especially in rural and maritime areas.”
He said awareness at community level was important so people could quickly recognise symptoms such as sudden weakness, speech difficulty, or loss of movement.
“Prevention through better management remains the key.”
He said there was an urgent need for stronger public health interventions, improved screening, and better access to specialist care across the country.
