World Multiple Sclerosis Day, officially celebrated on May 30, aims to bring the global multiple sclerosis (MS) community together by sharing experiences, raising awareness and reducing stigma for everyone with the disease. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system that results in neurological symptoms and disability. It affects one in every 3,000 people worldwide.
“Although it is the most common form of nontraumatic neurological disability in young adults, it is a condition often misunderstood by patients and health care providers, largely because symptoms are often similar to those of other diseases. Symptoms of MS can also appear Slowly or suddenly scare you. It can be alarming and confusing – which is why we need more awareness and remedial education about this disease.”
The theme of World MS Day is about connections – the importance of making connections or connections with society and with oneself so that people with the disease feel less isolated and less isolated from a social point of view.
Local patient associations such as the Tunisian Association of Multiple Sclerosis Patients (ATSEP) are also involved in raising awareness, combating social barriers and prejudices, strengthening support networks and promoting self-reliance in health care.
(ATSEP) has created a working program consisting of:
- Awareness of the general public and health and administrative authorities of the disease of multiple sclerosis.
- Gathering and representing patients and assisting those affected and their families
- Inform about medical, therapeutic and scientific developments.
- Establishing cooperation links with national and international associations of the same kind.
- Creation of the “Regional Delegates” project by having a representative at the level of each region of the country to take charge of patients’ concerns and transfer them to the central level.
Roche works across Africa to advance MS care from the ground up, starting with identifying data gaps, initiating clinical trials to understand how MS affects the typical African patient, and building records data to analyze this information. In addition, Roche works with patient organizations to raise awareness and reduce stigma around this disease.
“We are honored to be committed to raising awareness of MS by collaborating with various patient associations and stakeholders throughout the patient’s journey in the region. We believe it is important to speak in a cohesive and unified voice to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of MS and reduce the stigma associated with MS. It is with great pride that we reach the milestones with all people with MS.”
