A day to celebrate global solidarity and hope for the future
World MS Day is observed globally on 30th May every year. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis and bring together those who are living with the condition to share their stories.
The theme for World MS Day 2020-2022 is ‘connections’. The MS Connections campaign is all about building community connection, self-connection and connections to quality care.
The campaign tagline is ‘I Connect, We Connect’ and the campaign hashtag is #MSConnections.MS Connections challenges social barriers that leave people affected by MS feeling lonely and socially isolated. It is an opportunity to advocate for better services, celebrate support networks and champion self-care.
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This neurological condition affects the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord. Today, 2.8 million people around the world have MS.
MS is an inflammatory demyelinating condition. It is caused by damage to myelin – a fatty material that insulates nerves. In MS, the loss of myelin affects the way nerves conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain. Symptoms can include blurred vision, weak limbs, tingling sensations, unsteadiness, memory problems, and fatigue.
Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. MS is two to three times more common in women than in men. There is no drug that can cure MS, but treatments are available which can modify the course of the disease.
MS or multiple sclerosis causing a range of symptoms such as problems with balance, vision and muscle control. The symptoms of MS can be different from one person to another.
The cause of MS is currently unknown, and at the moment there is no cure. However, research is progressing quickly in the hope of finding one.
The MS Connections campaign challenges social barriers that can leave people affected by MS feeling lonely and isolated. We asked people from around the world to share their experiences of MS, loneliness and connection. Hear from Seetharam, Eva, Georges, Eliana and Soo. The video is available with English, Spanish, Arabic, French and Portuguese subtitles.
