Number of people living with MS across the world surpasses 3 million for the first time

The latest findings from the Atlas of MS, published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal, estimate that 3.1 million people are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) worldwide. This estimate draws on data from 133 countries, representing 93% of the world’s population. Today, 1 in every 2,600 people lives with MS.

By making global, regional and national data on MS available, countries can benchmark progress, identify gaps in surveillance and care and learn from one another. It provides an important evidence base for policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and MS organisations working to improve outcomes for people affected by MS.

For a more detailed exploration of these findings, including recommendations for action and case studies demonstrating how epidemiological data can be used to support advocacy and policy change, read the Atlas Epidemiology Report.

No country can tackle MS in isolation. The Atlas allows us to learn from one another, understand global patterns, and work together to improve outcomes for people affected by MS. It helps turn data into action by supporting advocacy, policy and better healthcare planning.

Dr Lydia Makaroff, Chief Executive, MS International Federation

Why is prevalence rising?

Global MS prevalence is up from 2.8 million in 2020 and 1.8 million in 2013. Several factors are likely behind this rise. These include earlier and more accurate diagnosis, partly driven by changes to diagnostic criteria over that time period, people living longer with MS due to improvements in care and treatments, growing awareness, stronger data collection systems and population growth. However, from the data available we can’t say for sure if the risk of MS is increasing.

How many women and men have MS?

Globally, 7 in 10 people with MS are women. That means women are 2 to 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with MS than men. This pattern holds true across all regions and income levels. In some parts of the world, like the Western Pacific and South-East Asia, the skew is even greater, with around three females diagnosed with MS for every male.

What about children with MS?

Data from 59 countries indicate that at least 40,000 people under the age of 18 are living with MS in the latest Atlas update compared with around 30,000 in 2020 (47 countries) and 7,000 in 2013 (34 countries). The increase likely reflects greater awareness of pediatric MS, earlier diagnosis, improved surveillance and a growing number of studies in this population. However, a contribution from changes in disease risk cannot be ruled out.

What do we know about MS incidence around the world?

Incidence refers to the number of new people diagnosed with MS during a specific period (usually one year). Incidence data were available from 91 countries in the latest update, up from 75 in 2020.

Available data suggest more than 120,000 people are diagnosed with MS each year, equivalent to around 330 new diagnoses every day, or one every 4.4 minutes. At a global level, incidence does not show a clear trend. Instead, the picture varies, with some countries reporting increases in new cases, whilst others report decreases, making global interpretation challenging.

What needs to be done?

This latest update from the Atlas of MS marks a step forward in our understanding of MS worldwide, with more data from low-income and African countries than ever before. But important gaps remain and without better data, people with MS risk being left behind. Better data can help inform the development of national MS and neurological health plans, strengthen accountability, support more equitable access to care, and ensure that people affected by MS are not overlooked in healthcare planning and decision-making.

Knowing how many people are affected by MS is vital, it’s the foundation for effective decision-making. But without diagnosis, people with MS are invisible.  Everyone must be seen, counted, and supported.

Rachel King, Senior International Evidence Manager, and Lead for the Atlas of MS, MS International Federation

MSIF recommends four main areas to be addressed by the global community:

• Diagnose early so people are seen, counted, and supported to access timely treatment and care
• Make MS visible – invest in inclusive data systems
• Use data to tailor care for everyone with MS including women, children, and underserved groups
• Drive change with evidence – inform policy, unlock funding and advance equity

The findings in this report also support broader efforts to improve neurological health and MS care. Global initiatives like the WHO’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological conditions (IGAP) also call for stronger data systems and equitable access to care and can provide additional leverage for national advocacy efforts to drive change.

Looking ahead, the 2024 McDonald criteria represent a potentially important change in the diagnosis of MS. As the revised criteria are adopted in clinical practice, the number of recorded diagnoses may initially rise because some people can be diagnosed earlier. The findings presented in this report therefore provide an important baseline against which the impact of these changes can be measured.
For readers looking for a quick overview, the key findings and recommendations are also available in a downloadable 1-page infographic. Ready-to-use presentation slides showing the prevalence data are also available for conferences, educational sessions and advocacy activities.

Thank you!

A heartfelt thank you to the hundreds of country coordinators and contributors whose time, expertise, and dedication makes the Atlas of MS possible.