Brasília – A new study from Firjan SESI’s Center for Innovation in Occupational Health (CIS-SO) shows that stroke (AVC) remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in Brazil. Between 2017 and 2023, the country recorded 1.68 million hospitalizations and 484,000 deaths related to the condition, resulting in more than 11 million years of life lost among people aged 15 and older.

The report highlights stark regional disparities: the North and Northeast have the highest mortality rates, linked to shortages of neurologists, intensive care units, and diagnostic imaging equipment. Experts warn that each minute of delay in diagnosis and treatment significantly reduces survival chances and increases the risk of long-term disability.

The study also reveals that stroke is among the main causes of permanent disability in Brazil, with many patients losing up to 18 years of healthy life. The disease led to an estimated 161 million lost workdays in 2023 and a productivity loss exceeding R$10 billion, including R$2.7 billion in disability benefits. Researchers stress that improving response time and expanding access to acute care services are crucial to reducing deaths and sequelae, particularly in underserved regions.

Source: O Globo

Want to explore this and other key issues in Brazil’s health system?
Contact us at pharmabrnews@gmail.com