 In 2005 MSIF and the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that, despite the considerable medical, social and economic impact of MS, little was known about its occurrence, frequency and distribution (epidemiology) in all countries with a significant prevalence of MS, and even less about the resources available in those countries to diagnose, inform, treat, rehabilitate and support people with MS.
Consequently, between 2005 and 2008, MSIF and WHO embarked on the most comprehensive study of its kind ever undertaken. Data and information about the occurrence of MS around the world and the availability of resources to provide services and support to people with MS was gathered from more than 100 countries representing 88 percent of the world’s population.
Key topics include:
● Epidemiology – prevalence, incidence, total numbers, average age of onset and male/female ratio
●MS organisations
● Diagnosis
● Information
● Support and services
● Drugs and treatment
● Human resources
● Disability entitlements, legislation and social insurance
● Major issues for people with MS and health professionals
On 17 September 2008, during the World Congress on Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis in Montréal, MSIF and WHO launched the report on their findings, the Atlas of MS .
The report highlights considerable discrepancies between countries in the availability of information and support to people affected by MS and the accessibility of educated and informed health professionals, diagnostic equipment, such as MRI scanners, and treatment and therapy to alleviate symptoms and modify the course of the disease.
The report clearly indicates that, despite limitations to the data collection:
● no one country provides adequate resources;
● in many countries the resources that are available are grossly inadequate; and
● the availability of resources varies widely between countries, both within all regions and across the world.
Among the many recommendations contained in the Atlas of MS is a call to governments to:
● Enact policies to alleviate the “information deficit” about MS amongst the general public, employers and health care professionals;
● Invest more in diagnostic equipment, rehabilitation services and global research; and
● Strengthen support structures and access to employment for people with MS.
The Atlas of MS raises awareness of the global MS situation, encourages further research and data collection and is a key tool supporting initiatives to develop public policy, service provision and support.
The value of the Atlas of MS is that it replaces impressions and opinions with facts and figures.
The findings have specific implications for the work of health professionals, patient groups, the health industry, policy makers and governments – and will inform national and regional advocacy and development policies.
You can download a PDF of the Atlas of MS at www.msif.org/atlasofms or, if you’d like to be sent a printed copy, you can contact info@msif.org.
In addition, you can see all the data gathered for the Atlas of MS study presented in maps, charts and graphs by accessing the Atlas of MS online database www.atlasofms.org.
In 2009 MSIF will update all the data gathered for the Atlas of MS and make it available on the Atlas of MS online database. For further information subscribe to our weekly email newsletter Making Connections at www.msif.org/subscribe.
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