The Rising Challenge of Stroke in Iraq and the Importance of Endovascular Centers

Stroke is a critical public health issue in Iraq, where the rising incidence is met with insufficient specialized care, often leading to severe disability or mortality. This editorial highlights the urgent need for establishing endovascular centers across the country to address these gaps. Endovascular interventions, such as mechanical thrombectomy, have proven effective in reducing stroke-related mortality and long-term disability when administered within a narrow treatment window. However, Iraq faces numerous challenges, including limited resources, infrastructure deficits, and a shortage of trained specialists, compounded by socio-political factors that affect healthcare delivery. Iraq at this moment lacks a dedicated stroke endovascular center. By investing in endovascular centers and addressing the systemic challenges, Iraq can align its stroke care with global standards, offering improved outcomes for stroke patients and reducing the nation's overall healthcare burden.