Atlas of MS

[Hope]

Atlas of MS launched

On August 14, 2006, MSIF launched the Atlas of MS. For the first time, data about the epidemiology of MS and the availability of resources for people with MS can be compared worldwide.


MSIF and the World Health Organization undertook a major survey of the epidemiology of MS and and the availability of resources to diagnose, inform, treat, support and care for people with MS worldwide. The results, which can be analysed and compared at country, regional, and global levels for 64 countries, are available on the Atlas of MS website:

www.atlasofms.org

The data is organised into themes and presented in maps and graphs. The whole database will be updated every four years. Data will also be gathered on an ongoing basis from countries that have not yet submitted data and new data will be gathered for new categories and sub categories as and when necessary, for example when a new treatment becomes available.

The results confirm that resources for MS diagnosis, treatment, care and support vary widely between countries, and in many cases appear grossly inadequate compared to the needs exhibited in most countries. MSIF believes that the value of the Atlas of MS is in replacing impressions and opinions with facts and figures.

We hope that the realities uncovered by the Atlas of MS will motivate governments and health care providers to improve MS treatment and care worldwide.

Note: Saudi Arabia is not located on the atlas.