30/05/2026
May 30 is World MS Day
What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Today, an estimated 2.9 million people around the world have MS.
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.
To find out more about MS, get in touch with an MS organisation near you or visit the MSIF website.
The theme for World MS Day 2024-2026 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.
My MS Diagnosis is a flexible, wide-ranging theme. Whether you’re individual or an organisation, you can choose to focus on a variety of angles when celebrating World MS Day, including:
- Lobbying decision makers to improve early and accurate diagnosis for everyone living with MS
- Highlighting global and national barriers to accessing an MS diagnosis
- Building informed, caring communities and systems that support people diagnosed with MS
- Raising awareness and building solidarity by sharing experiences of an MS diagnosis
- Advocating for better MS training and awareness amongst healthcare professionals
- Supporting new research and clinical advancements in MS diagnosis
