The World Stroke Organization recently announced in Beijing a global partnership with the world's leading medical technology, service and solutions company Medtronic to increase stroke awareness and to support patients.

The partnership, announced at the 2016 annual scientific session of the Chinese Stroke Association and Tiantan International Stroke Conference held over June 24-26 in the Chinese capital, will focus on raising stroke awareness through the Stroke Is Treatable World Stroke Day campaign, as well as improve implementation of WSO's new global stroke services guidelines and global clinical education programs.

Every year, approximately 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke. Among them, nearly 5 million die and another 5 million are left permanently physically challenged, according to WSO.

"Stroke is treatable," says Stephen Davis, the WSO President.

"Recognizing the signs of stroke early, treating it as a medical emergency with admission to a specialized stroke unit, and having professional care can substantially improve stroke outcomes."

However, in China, as well as in many other countries, effective transportation and access to professional treatment is not as available as it should, he adds.

Eva Xu, senior director of the neurovascular business at Medtronic Greater China, says Medtronic and WSO share the commitment to improve healthcare and life quality for stroke patients, and Medtronic is proud to cooperate with WSO to educate both ordinary people and professionals, to raise awareness, train professionals, and make a difference for patients.