Learn, practice, share: MSIF work in the Latin America

MSIF has been working in the Latin American (LATAM) region since 2017, supporting MS organisations at a country, regional and global level. People affected by multiple sclerosis in Latin America face significant challenges, including barriers to early and accurate diagnosis. To better understand the realities on the ground, MSIF’s Organisational Development and Movement Building team conducted a two-part survey for LATAM MS organisations in 2024.

The first survey explored the barriers to early diagnosis in the region. The second, identified the development priorities of MS organisations, including the most effective ways to strengthen knowledge and skills.

The survey reached 31 organisations across 20 countries, with 19 organisations completing the full survey. The findings, combined with MSIF’s experience and past successes, led to the creation of a new multi-year regional initiative: Learn, Practice, Share

The 2024-2026 initiative is built around three parts

• Learn: A comprehensive online training programme
• Practice: Grants for MS organisations to develop projects addressing barriers to MS diagnosis
• Share: Opportunities for grant recipients to present their work to the wider MS community at LACTRIMS 2026

The programme supports MSIF’s strategic goal to strengthen MS organisations so they can better address the challenges faced by people affected by MS.

Learning together

The learning programme set out to support at least 13 MS organisations to strengthen their capacity in three priority areas identified by MS organisations in the regional survey:

• Data collection and analysis
• Financial sustainability
• Volunteer management

A Flexible, Practical Learning Experience

Designed in collaboration with the online training agency VC Congresses, the programme offered a practical, engaging and pragmatic syllabus. Flexibility was key as many of the participating MS organisations are small and volunteer led.

The course included live sessions, and pre-recorded training webinars led by expert speakers from countries like Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina and India

Each module included a toolbox of templates, case studies, links and resources. There were live Q&A sessions with participating organisations, creating space for reflection, peer-to-peer learning and deeper discussion. This approach allowed participants to apply the learning directly to their own organisational context.

Virtual Learning platform for participants

Impact

The response from the region was positive with 72 participants from 26 organisations in 17 countries registering for the course. 23 participants from 12 organisations completed and passed all exams.

Participants gained practical skills in collecting, managing data securely to support advocacy and decision making. Organisations expanded their understanding of income generation, grants, funder proposals, and digital fundraising. Participants also learnt how to design and manage engaging volunteering programmes. In the final session the MS Society of India shared its experience running a national youth wing – creating valuable cross-regional learning and inspiration.

Overall, the programme was warmly received across Latin America, with strong participation, sustained engagement and positive feedback about the quality of experts and training methods. The diversity of participants and the exchange between regions highlighted the power of shared learning within the global MS movement.

From Learning to Action

This learning programme marks the first phase of the ‘Learn, Practice, Share’ initiative. The next step is the launch of the LATAM Grants Programme called ‘Access to Diagnosis’. The MS organisation projects awarded grants this month will put many of the skills learned into practice.  MSIF looks forward to continuing its work in the region, supporting organisations to address the challenges faced by people affected by MS in Latin America.