Public health challenges in Colombia

Colombia continues to face significant health crises involving occupational safety and cardiovascular emergencies. The Colombian Safety Council (CCS) reported 128,288 occupational accidents in the first quarter of 2026, an average of approximately 1,425 cases per day. Traumatic brain injuries, frequently caused by falling objects or structural impacts, account for 20% to 25% of these occupational traumas.

Parallel to workplace safety concerns, the country is struggling with stroke (ACV) management. Stroke has emerged as the second leading cause of death and the primary cause of acquired disability in Colombia, with annual deaths estimated between 16,000 and 17,000. Medical experts note that the disease is increasingly affecting younger, productive adults.

On World Stroke Day, observed annually on October 29, medical professionals have highlighted a concerning trend in regions including Colombia and Chile: a notable rise in cases among adults aged 35 to 50. This increase is often attributed to metabolic risk factors and obesity. Globally, more than 12 million people suffer a stroke each year, representing a new case every 40 seconds. Experts emphasize that up to 80% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle modifications, such as managing hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol, while reducing smoking and sedentary behavior.

While specialized treatments like mechanical thrombectomy and intravenous thrombolysis exist, the Colombian healthcare system faces critical limitations, operating only six specialized centers for stroke treatment. Specialists continue to recommend the FAST rule (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) to identify symptoms, noting that brain cells can die at a rate of millions per minute during an event.