On 30th May 2018, the World Multiple Sclerosis Day is set to bring together the international Multiple Sclerosis community together to campaign for greater public awareness on the condition as well as to support individuals and families who are affected by the disease.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. MS can affect vision, mobility, muscle control, and balance among many other bodily functions required for normal life. And currently, there are an estimated 2.3 million people around the globe suffering from this condition. Existing treatments are not yet able to cure the disease, rather they prevent relapses and unwarranted occurrences, allowing patients to enjoy a better quality of life.
This year, World Multiple Sclerosis Day focuses primarily on promoting research. At present, the disease is being studied by medical institutions all over the world. Recent developments have led to a more optimistic outlook for MS sufferers. In 2017, a new USFDA-approved drug was developed to treat the disease and slow its progression. More treatments are currently under development. Despite these developments, a definitive cure for the disease has yet to be found. Further studies on the disease are still necessary.
The first World Multiple Sclerosis Day was organised in 2009 by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) and its members. Each year, the organisers select different themes and have continually reached a greater number of people. MSIF’s staff is supported by an international working group comprised of representatives from MS Organizations around the world. Representatives from UK, India, Ireland, Egypt, Spain, Argentina, USA, Australia, and Greece take an active part in the planning and execution of the event.
Bringing us Closer
This year’s World MS Day campaign is called #bringinguscloser. The events are intended to foster a greater sense of awareness and solidarity among MS patients as well as the general public, and these events are being hosted in numerous cities throughout the world.
In the United States, several events will take place such as fundraising rock concerts, educational campaigns, and a dunk contest featuring world-class basketball athletes. Funds raised will go to numerous institutions including UCLA Health MS Research and The National MS Society Research.
In other countries around the world, several fundraising and awareness events will be held. These activities will target the general public, as well as medical professionals.
Interested parties can actively take part in the year’s events. MSIF is providing a toolkit containing free resource materials to help anyone looking to join and initiate activities for World MS Day.
Multiple Sclerosis remains a pervasive, global, health issue. Through continuously educating the public on the disease as well as steadily researching and developing treatments, the international medical community comes closer to providing a cure for MS.
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H/T: World MS Day
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