As South Africa observes World Stroke Day, Steve Biko Academic Hospital is being recognised for setting a new benchmark in public healthcare after becoming the first public healthcare facility in the country to receive Essential Stroke Centre accreditation from the World Stroke Organisation (WSO) through its Angels Accreditation programme.
Professor Mandisa Kakaza, Head of Neurology at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, said the achievement reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based stroke care that meets internationally recognised standards.
The Essential Stroke Centre designation is awarded to healthcare facilities that consistently deliver comprehensive stroke services, including rapid diagnosis, emergency treatment, rehabilitation and long-term patient management. The accreditation confirms that the hospital meets global benchmarks aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing the long-term disability often associated with stroke.
In addition to this milestone, Steve Biko Academic Hospital has maintained the prestigious WSO Angels Diamond Status for three consecutive years. This recognition highlights the hospital’s sustained excellence in stroke care and its continued adherence to international best practices.
Professor Kakaza said the achievements demonstrate what is possible within South Africa’s public healthcare system when innovation, multidisciplinary teamwork and continuous quality improvement are prioritised.
The recognition also reinforces the importance of ensuring that patients experiencing a stroke receive urgent medical attention, as early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve survival rates and recovery outcomes.
For the public health sector, the accreditation is an important milestone, showing that world-class specialised healthcare services can be successfully delivered in state hospitals. It also provides greater confidence that more South Africans can access timely, life-saving stroke treatment and quality rehabilitation services closer to where they live.
As World Stroke Day is observed, health professionals continue to encourage the public to recognise the warning signs of stroke and seek immediate emergency medical care. Early intervention remains one of the most effective ways to reduce death and long-term disability caused by stroke.
Steve Biko Academic Hospital’s international recognition serves as an example of how investment in specialised healthcare, skilled professionals and continuous improvement can strengthen South Africa’s healthcare system and improve the lives of stroke patients across the country.
