World multiple sclerosis (MS) Day is marked on 30 May, it brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with everyone affected by MS.

World MS Day activities take place throughout the month of May and in early June. The campaign offers flexibility for individuals and organisations to achieve a variety of goals. MS is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). In 2024, there are 2.9 million people living with MS worldwide. MS is an inflammatory demyelinating condition. It is caused by damage to myelin – a fatty material that insulates nerves. In MS, the loss of myelin affects the way nerves conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain. Symptoms can include blurred vision, weak limbs, tingling sensations, unsteadiness, memory problems, and fatigue. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. MS is two to three times more common in women than in men. There is no drug that can cure MS, but treatments are available which can modify the course of the disease.

The theme for World MS Day 2024-2025 is diagnosis. The name of the campaign is My MS Diagnosis and the tagline: navigating MS together. The My MS Diagnosis campaign advocates for early and accurate diagnosis for everyone living with MS. It highlights the global barriers to diagnosing MS, raising awareness by sharing real stories and data. We are calling for better MS training for healthcare professionals, new research, and clinical advancements in MS diagnosis. Together we are building informed, caring communities and systems that support people diagnosed with MS.

Links:
World MS Day