). It is generally diagnosed between 20 and 40 years of age (
).
Around 2.8 million are estimated to suffer from MS (4), with 2-3 times being more common in women than in men ().
Although there is no cure for MS currently, timely management and treatments may help modify the disease course ().
The Establishment
The first World MS Day was initiated by MS International Federation (MSIF) and its members in 2009, reaching nearly hundreds of thousands of people globally now (). It is a day to celebrate global solidarity and hope for the future ().
Several internationally collaborative events and campaign activities, centered on an annual theme, are scheduled throughout the May month where people with MS share their stories to raise support for all the others suffering from it (, ).
Theme for 2022
The four-year global theme (2020-2023) theme for World MS Day is ‘connections’ that focuses on constructing a connection with the community, self, and quality care () with this year’s campaign tagline being ‘I Connect, We Connect’
().
People affected by MS are often left socially isolated and feeling lonely. The present theme thus challenges the social barriers to advocating better services and celebrates support social networks ().
One may also connect virtually to share their stories, and awareness on MS through social media using the campaign hashtags #MSConnections ().
Moreover, the campaign also invites collaboration with global members of MSIF to build a better social movement to offer flexibility for individuals and champion self-care
(, ).
Encourage the Social Drive
World MS Day thereby unites global organizations to provide various toolkits, videos, and free resources to bring positive life changes for many and achieve a world free of MS ().
Various activities are hosted to help people learn about multiple sclerosis; better understand its complex yet an unpredictable course that may help fuel the progress against it ().
One may easily join/host an event for World MS Day through walkathons, Biking, DIY Fundraising, donation, or even become an MS activist on this action day () to promote self-care and healthy living with MS through effective treatment choices ().
This World MS day drives towards an MS-free world by raising awareness and changing lives.
