For the first time in Uzbekistan, schoolchildren will learn to recognize the early signs of stroke and how to act correctly in an emergency through the FAST Superheroes program. According to the information service of the Ministry of Health, the program will be introduced gradually in general education schools starting November 1.

The program is designed for pupils in grades 1 to 4. At the first stage, lessons will be held in seven schools in the Olmazor district of Tashkent, as well as in a total of six schools in Samarkand city and the Kattakurgan and Ishtikhan districts.

What FAST means

The FAST principle helps people remember the main signs of stroke: changes in the face, weakness in the arm, speech difficulties, and the need to act without losing time. In class, children are taught that facial asymmetry, inability to lift one arm, or difficulty speaking may be signs of stroke.

In such situations, children learn to immediately alert adults and call the emergency number 103.

How the program works

The program was developed within the international Angels Initiative. It has reached more than 2 million children in nearly 40 countries. Lessons use games, characters and videos suited to each child's age. The goals are to raise children's awareness of stroke, help them share this knowledge with family members, and build the skills to call for urgent medical help.

Part of a national effort

The initiative is linked to the national program on fighting heart attacks and strokes, announced in January 2026. Under this program, an electronic registry of patients and people at risk will be maintained in the Electronic Healthcare information system, and the system for early detection of cardiovascular disease and emergency care will be improved. Funding is set at 239 billion soums in 2026, and 280 billion soums per year from 2027.

The main takeaway for parents is simple: teach children the FAST rule from an early age, talk about stroke warning signs at home, and never waste time in an emergency.

Source: Daryo.uz