African stroke organization conference 2024: Strategies in reducing the burden of stroke

The 4th annual African Stroke Organization Conference (ASOC) was held on November 4 and 5, 2024 at the University of Zambia School of Medicine in Lusaka, Zambia in a hybrid format. The location carried special significance as the University Teaching Hospital of Zambia had established its inaugural stroke unit in the country and showcased the early success in patient outcomes. This was the second hybrid format following the 2023 conference which was held in Ibadan, Nigeria after the first two conferences in 2021 and 2022 were held virtually because of the COVID19 pandemic. With the theme, "Controlling the Burden of Stroke: Gateway to Reducing the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)," the conference emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to stroke prevention and management as a strategy to address NCDs. In its 4th year, ASOC has proved to be a very effective platform in highlighting stroke as a serious health burden in the African continent and a forum where current information is disseminated, solutions to problems are debated, and, most importantly, where the work of young African researchers is elevated. The hybrid format facilitated participation from 80 in-person attendees and 95 virtual participants, with full session recordings accessible to African Stroke Organization (ASO) members. Notable dignitaries included Zambia's Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi.