Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Brings Stroke Awareness and Health Screenings to Worker Communities Through Outreach Initiative

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Brings Stroke Awareness and Health Screenings to Worker Communities Through Outreach Initiative

Commemorating the UAE’s Year of Community, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi conducted a series of stroke awareness and preventive health screening events in worker communities across the capital throughout the month of October.

As an officially designated Stroke Center by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the hospital held the weekly initiative in October preceding World Stroke Day. A dedicated team of stroke experts and caregivers from the hospital’s Neurological Institute visited residential communities in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi to educate attendees on how to identify the signs of a stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency, using the “BE FAST” guide - Balance loss, Eyes blurry, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency.

The events saw over 1200 attendees, of which 40% underwent screening for key health indicators, underscoring the importance of early detection and proactive management of chronic illnesses, such as hypertension and diabetes, two major risk factors for stroke.

Dr. Syed Irteza Hussain, Division Chair of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi said, “Stroke remains one of the leading causes of serious long-term disability worldwide, yet it is among the most preventable. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking immediate care can make a difference between full recovery and permanent impairment”.

“In the spirit of the Year of Community, this initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing awareness, prevention, and compassionate care for all. Awareness is the first step towards prevention, and through this campaign, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is proud to lead a meaningful effort that delivers vital stroke education and health screenings to those who need them most, supporting the nation’s vision for a connected, caring, and healthy society,” he added.

Beyond this campaign, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi remains an advocate for public health, engaging with the community through city-wide awareness runs, virtual seminars, school education programs, and other public activities, having already reached more than 12,000 members of the public from January to October 2025. The hospital remains committed to public health awareness programs and extending access to life-saving knowledge to every corner of society. Its caregivers continue to take time outside the hospital to join the community for important causes and events.