ovale, i.e. a hole in the tissue that separates the left and the right upper chamber of the heart, there are specific interventions available for secondary prevention. However, overall adherence to chronic drug treatment regimens is low because access to safe and affordable medicine is limited in low- and middle-income countries that face the highest stroke burden. Meanwhile, mobile phones and mobile internet access have become ubiquitous in low- and middle-income countries, reaching people who, until now, have remained structurally excluded. Mobile technology is also increasingly being used in the healthcare sector to implement low-cost screening mechanisms for conditions that increase stroke risk and to target behavioural risk factors. Studies evaluating the impact and cost-effectiveness of mobile technology in Emmrich, J. V., Knauss, S., Endres, M., Current advances, challenges, and opportunities in stroke research, management, and care NAL-live 2021.2, v1.0, doi:10.34714/leopoldina_NAL-live_0002_01000 14 reducing the burden of stroke are scarce (FEIGIN et al. 2016a), however there is rising evidence for successful prevention of non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries using mobile technology. Conclusion More attention from national and global stakeholders, as well as from funding agencies, is needed to turn the tide of the growing stroke burden. They must support research and the implementation of effective primary and secondary prevention strategies as well as improve access to essential diagnostics and treatment. An emphasis on stroke prevention is urgently needed in low- and middle-income countries. Author Contributions JE, SK and ME conceptualised the article together. JE and SK wrote the first draft of the paper and ME made substantial reviews. All authors contributed to, reviewed, and approved the final draft. ReferenThe impact of stroke Charles D A Wolfe Department of Public Health Sciences, Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Hospitals School of Medicine, London, UK The socio-economic impact of stroke is considerable world-wide. Stroke is assuming an increasing impact in terms of media attention, patient and carer