MSIF to lead the next chapter of the MS Brain Health Initiative
From July 2026, MSIF will host the global initiative and work with member organisations to promote brain health and support implementation of its recommendations on diagnosis, treatment and care.
Last updated: 25th June 2026
The MS International Federation is proud to take over as the new host of the MS Brain Health Initiative. MSIF has supported the MS Brain Health Initiative since its inception by Professor Gavin Giovannoni over a decade ago. We have been a member of its steering group and closely involved in the production of its two major reports ‘Brain Health – Time Matters’ in 2015 and 2024.
The MS Brain Health Initiative has provided a framework for improving brain health in MS and has been used by healthcare professionals, patient organisations and policymakers to support discussions on diagnosis, treatment and care. The 2024 report, authored by international experts from a wide range of disciplines, explores the latest advancements and needs in MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD. The MS Brain Health Initiative advocates for early diagnosis, timely and effective treatment, proactive monitoring and shared decision-making. The overarching aim is to maximize lifelong brain health in people with MS to reduce disease progression. You can read more about the latest report here: Brain health – time matters – MS International Federation
To date, the MS Brain Health Initiative has been led by the Oxford Health Policy Forum and its HealthScience Communication partner Oxford PharmaGenesis. As of July 2026, MSIF will lead the MS Brain Health Initiative and work with its member organisations to promote implementation of the report’s recommendations, with the aim of improving diagnosis, treatment and care for people affected by MS. Building on this work, MSIF will develop a Brain Health Advocacy Toolkit to help member organisations engage policymakers and healthcare stakeholders on the report’s recommendations.
The transition to MSIF creates new opportunities to connect the MS Brain Health Initiative with MSIF’s global network of member organisations, people affected by MS, healthcare professionals and researchers. This will help ensure that brain health remains part of wider conversations about diagnosis, treatment, care, advocacy and health policy, while supporting the sharing of experiences and practical approaches across countries.
“We are delighted that MSIF will be taking forwards the MS Brain Health Initiative. Together with our member organisations, we will build on the MS Brain Health legacy, working to implement the report’s recommendations at national level and help advance the changes needed to improve health and wellbeing for people affected by MS.” Dr Lydia Makaroff, Chief Executive, MSIF
All the MS Brain Health reports, case studies, infographics and other resources can be accessed at: https://www.msbrainhealth.org/
Read more about the impact of the MS Brain Health Initiative here: Global Impact – MS Brain Health – Multiple Sclerosis Brain Health initiative