Launch of Access to Health Initiative Announced at World Stroke Congress
The World Stroke Organization (WSO) President, Dr. Sheila Martins, officially launched the Access to Health initiative at the annual World Stroke Congress in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration with Merz Therapeutics aims to tackle healthcare inequalities through pilot projects in Nigeria and Tanzania.
During the event, project managers and healthcare professionals gathered to outline the next steps for implementation. “We are proud to be part of a mission that can make a tangible difference in the lives of stroke victims in underserved communities,” stated Stefan König, CEO of Merz Therapeutics. “Our partnership with the WSO will enhance access to stroke care in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.”
The initiative targets critical issues in stroke care, particularly in high-incidence regions where stroke cases are rising, especially among younger populations. In sub-Saharan Africa, the annual incidence rate is projected to reach 316 cases per 100,000 people, with a three-year mortality rate exceeding 80%. This crisis is worsened by a lack of public awareness, inadequate rehabilitation facilities, and a shortage of healthcare professionals.
Pilot Programs in Nigeria and Tanzania
In Nigeria, the initiative will enhance stroke treatment by improving training for neurologists and healthcare providers. This includes the development of comprehensive training modules aimed at advancing stroke rehabilitation programs, ultimately increasing staff capacity for providing cutting-edge stroke care.
In Tanzania, the focus will be on improving patient access to stroke services in resource-limited settings. Building on existing WSO efforts, Merz Therapeutics will strategically support the development of stroke infrastructure, particularly hospital-based stroke units. The goal is to enhance patient outcomes by collaborating with local healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to underserved communities.
Creating Sustainable Healthcare Solutions
Launched in 2023, the Access to Health initiative is part of Merz Therapeutics’ broader strategy to reduce healthcare disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through education, patient outreach, strategic partnerships, and employee volunteerism. By partnering with WSO, Merz Therapeutics aims to create scalable healthcare models that can be replicated globally, ensuring quality medical care for all, regardless of geographic or economic barriers.
“Our long-term goal is to create sustainable and scalable improvements in healthcare that will transform stroke care in these regions and beyond,” said Stefan Albrecht, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at Merz Therapeutics. “This initiative underscores our commitment to making healthcare equitable and accessible for everyone.
About Merz Therapeutics
Merz Therapeutics is dedicated to improving the lives of patients worldwide. Through relentless research, development and a culture of innovation, Merz Therapeutics strives to address unmet patient needs and achieve better outcomes. Merz Therapeutics seeks to address the unique needs of people with movement disorders, neurological conditions, liver diseases and other health conditions that significantly impact patients’ quality of life.
Merz Therapeutics is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany and has a presence in over 90 countries, including a North American subsidiary in Raleigh, North Carolina. Merz Therapeutics GmbH is part of the Merz Group, a privately held, family-owned company that has been dedicated to developing innovations that address unmet patient and customer needs for 115 years.
