ZAGREB, 9 Feb (Hina) – MPs on Friday unanimously endorsed a proposal by the parliamentary Health and Social Policy Committee to observe the first Friday in February as Red Dress Day – National Day of Combating Stroke in Women.

This day is observed in over 50 countries across the world to raise awareness of stroke in women, committee chair Renata Sabljar-Dračevac said.

Between 12,000 and 15,000 people in Croatia, 60% of whom are women, suffer a stroke every year.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second cause of death for women in Croatia, one in five will suffer a stroke and one in three will die from the consequences, Sabljar-Dračevac said, adding that twice as many women die of stroke than breast cancer.

Incidence among men has been reduced but keeps increasing among women, notably younger ones, she added.

MPs also endorsed the ratification of the Convention on the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities so that Croatia can become a member.