Stroke research and care are unfortunately growing needs globally. More than 13 million people worldwide suffer a stroke annually and 5.5 million die. Millions of others are left with mental and/or physical disabilities, placing a major burden of care on their families and social support systems. According to the World Stroke Organization, trends also suggest that the number of deaths is likely to rise to more than 6.5 million unless action is taken.

Mr Robert H. N. Ho has recognised the pressing need to address this situation, and taken a significant step to advance the field through a donation to the Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia (VGH & UBC) Hospital Foundation in Canada to establish the Robert H. N. Ho Stroke Leadership Fund.

VGH has a renowned Stroke Programme and Mr Ho’s gift in 2019 is now supporting on-going development of quality healthcare and innovation that will save the lives of stroke patients and prevent strokes.

“We have a duty to give back to society, to make our world a better place and care for our community,” he said.

One particular focus is moyamoya disease, a rare vascular disorder that can cause a stroke and is likely to strike those of East and Southeast Asian descent as well as First Nations populations. It is also anticipated that the development of a model of care for this disease will serve as a way forward to care for people with similar cerebrovascular diseases.