MSIF advocates for MS and Neurological Conditions at the World Health Assembly

MSIF’s Head of Communications, Campaigns and Advocacy, Abdel Ibrahim, attended the World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva in May 2025. This annual event is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), where delegations from all WHO Member States come together to decide on policies, programmes and budgets.

MSIF took part to ensure that MS is recognised, prioritised, and better resourced in global health discussions. The inclusion of neurological conditions, including MS, in the 2025 Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases would create a global mandate to which national governments can be held accountable. This would strengthen the ability of MS organisations to advocate for improved care, earlier diagnosis, and better support in their own countries. The WHA provides an important platform to raise awareness and advocate for MS and other neurological conditions. The timing was particularly meaningful in May as it coincided with World MS Day campaign month.

Over the course of the week, delegates participated in official meetings, side events, and valuable networking with senior health officials and like-minded global NGOs. Below are some key highlights from the event, including an exciting contribution by MSIF.

MSIF Statement

MSIF led and coordinated a joint constituency statement, supported by seven other global NGOs in official relations with the WHO. The statement urged WHO Member States to include neurological conditions, including MS, in the 2025 Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) during the upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting. This is a crucial step in ensuring neurological conditions are not left behind in global health policy.

Abdel Ibrahim presented the statement on behalf of MSIF at the UN Palais, addressing WHO Member States. He delivered it on behalf of MSIF and the following organisations:

• NCD Alliance
• International Bureau for Epilepsy
• International Federation on Ageing
• International Society of Radiology
• International Council of Nurses
• World Federation of Nuclear Medicine and Biology
• The International Union of Psychological Science

The statement was a strong example of collaboration between MSIF and OneNeurology . It draws from OneNeurology’s position statement and mobilised further support from across the sector.

Following the Assembly, MSIF continued its advocacy by providing feedback on the first draft of the Political Declaration on NCDs.

Watch Abdel delivering the statement

Read the full statement here

WHA resolution on strengthening medical imaging capacity

One of the key outcomes of this year’s Assembly was the adoption of a resolution on strengthening medical imaging capacity. This resolution is expected to have a significant global impact in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.

For MS, improved imaging capacity is particularly critical. Tools such as MRI play an essential role in diagnosing and monitoring MS. The resolution presents an opportunity to advocate globally for improved access to MS diagnostic tools.

MSIF supported efforts led by the International Society of Radiology and the World Federation of Nuclear Medicine and Biology, by co-signing a statement presented to the WHO Executive Board in February. A further joint constituency statement was presented at the WHA in May. Both actions helped pave the way for the adoption of this resolution.

Helping MS organisations drive national progress

Global political declarations help shape national health priorities. When governments commit to international goals, they are more likely to reflect them in domestic policies, funding decisions, and strategic plans. Including MS in the 2025 Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases would signal a clear expectation for countries to invest in neurological health, particularly in diagnosis, care, and treatment.

MSIF’s joint statement adds weight to this effort by generating global momentum and shared accountability. National MS organisations can use this momentum to strengthen their advocacy for policy change, inclusion in Universal Health Coverage, investment in the health workforce, and funding for neurological services. For example, the adoption of a new resolution to strengthen medical imaging worldwide may result in better access to MRI, which is essential for diagnosing and monitoring MS.

Many conditions, one Voice

While MS poses unique challenges, it also shares many common issues with other conditions — from access to care and treatment, to barriers preventing early diagnosis and specialist shortages. It is essential that we join forces with other health communities to tackle these shared challenges and ensure MS is part of the broader global health conversation.

In line with this approach, MSIF joined and supported several statements organised by the NCD Alliance and the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO) on key agenda items, including universal health coverage.