Worldwide survey into MS prevalence
18 Sep 2008
A major new study into worldwide prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the availability of resources to provide services and support to people with MS has been launched today.
The Atlas of MS provides a detailed global picture of MS and suggests that the number of people living with the condition may be far more than the estimated 1.3million.
The study, launched at at the World Congress on Treatment and Research in MS in Montreal, calls on governments to invest more in education and services to improve the quality of life of people living with MS.
It is the result of three years of research coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the London-based Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), the international body for MS organisations worldwide.
More than 100 countries, representing almost 88% of the world’s population, participated in the study and the The Atlas of MS shows:
• No country that responded to the survey was free of MS
• Globally, at any point in time, around 30 people in 100,000 have been diagnosed with MS
• There is an increased prevalence, and higher risk of MS, further north and south of the equator
• The total number of people diagnosed with MS is currently estimated at 1.3 million. Given that some countries do not record data the actual number is believed to be much higher.
• MS symptoms mostly start between 25 and 31 years of age
Jayne Spink, Director of Policy and Research at the MS Society, said: "Taking an international approach to MS will help to push the condition up the agenda and help make governments aware of the need to treat the condition - and those living with its devastating impacts - as a priority.
The study, launched at at the World Congress on Treatment and Research in MS in Montreal, calls on governments to invest more in education and services to improve the quality of life of people living with MS.
It is the result of three years of research coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the London-based Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), the international body for MS organisations worldwide.
More than 100 countries, representing almost 88% of the world’s population, participated in the study and the The Atlas of MS shows:
• No country that responded to the survey was free of MS
• Globally, at any point in time, around 30 people in 100,000 have been diagnosed with MS
• There is an increased prevalence, and higher risk of MS, further north and south of the equator
• The total number of people diagnosed with MS is currently estimated at 1.3 million. Given that some countries do not record data the actual number is believed to be much higher.
• MS symptoms mostly start between 25 and 31 years of age
Jayne Spink, Director of Policy and Research at the MS Society, said: "Taking an international approach to MS will help to push the condition up the agenda and help make governments aware of the need to treat the condition - and those living with its devastating impacts - as a priority.
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