World MS Day 2024
World MS Day takes place every year on 30th May and will be held for the 16th time in 2024. The 2024 – 2025 World MS Day theme is “My MS Diagnosis”. The day was initiated as a global initiative led by the MS International Federation (MSIF) and developed together with a global working group consisting of representatives from India, Tunisia, Ireland, Argentina, Slovakia, Spain, the UK, Greece, Australia, and the USA. Aim is to bring the entire MS Community together to share stories, rise awareness and advocate for all those affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).
World MS day – A day of global solidarity, collective action and hope
30th May 2024
The “My MS Diagnosis” campaign with the tagline “Navigating MS together” focuses on timely and precise diagnosis for everybody affected by MS. We aim to emphasize the challenges worldwide in diagnosing MS, increasing awareness through the sharing of authentic narratives and data. Our campaign advocates for enhanced training for healthcare professionals, advancements in research, and improvements in clinical practices related to MS diagnosis. Together, we strive to cultivate knowledgeable, compassionate communities and supportive systems for individuals living with MS.
2024 – 2025’s theme is all about highlighting global barriers to the diagnosis of MS
On World MS Day let’s focus on “My MS Diagnosis” by:
- Encouraging policymakers to enhance early and precise diagnosis for all individuals affected by MS
- Shedding light on both global and national hurdles in obtaining an MS diagnosis
- Cultivating knowledgeable, compassionate communities and support systems for those living with MS
- Increasing awareness and fostering solidarity by sharing personal experiences of MS diagnoses
- Advocating for improved MS training and awareness among healthcare professionals
- Backing new research initiatives and clinical breakthroughs in MS diagnosis
Facts about Multiple sclerosis (MS)
What is Multiple sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. It disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Here, the protective sheath Myelin that insulates nerve fibers is affected by the immune system. Due to the loss of myelin, electrical impulses can no longer be conducted to the brain in the usual way.
Which types of MS can be distinguished?
Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS): May be a first sign of Multiple Sclerosis disease and describes the first episode of neurological symptoms lasting at least 24 hours.
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): The most common type of MS in which symptoms occur in relapses with complete recovery between relapses.
Secondary progressive MS (SPMS): A progressive phase of MS in which symptoms steadily worsen between periods of good health.
Primary progressive MS (PPMS): A stage of MS with worsening neurologic function from the onset of symptoms without remission or relapse
Symptomps and risk groups
Symptomps of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can be blurred vision, weak limbs, tingling, restlessness, memory problems and fatigue. Researches revealed several theories on the influences on the onset of MS, including immunologic, environmental, genetic, and infection-related factors. Women are two to three times more likely than men to be affected by MS. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 40. Smoking, obesity, a lack of vitamin D may have an impact on the onset of MS.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, but there are treatments available to help speed the recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms. A high level of care is needed in the treatment of MS, including neurologist, primary care physician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist, social worker, and nurses. There are treatment options (usually a combination of medications and therapies) to help decrease the number of episodes and alleviate the symptomps.
Campaign video ‘Connect with World MS Day’