What is the Atlas of MS?
The Atlas of MS is the most comprehensive worldwide study of the epidemiology of MS and the global availability and accessibility of resources for people with MS.
Factsheet
Use these factsheets for advocacy or information.COUNTRY OF INTEREST:
Malawi
Key statistics and data collected from MSIF's Atlas of MS
The latest edition of the Atlas of MS shows there are 2.9 million people living with multiple sclerosis around the world.
The Atlas of MS is a powerful advocacy tool for MS organisations and advocates to drive policy changes that can remove obstacles for people with MS and their families in their country. The data is a key way of shining a spotlight on MS to increase awareness and understanding around the world.
Who is affected?
32
years is the global average age of an MS diagnosis. Data is not available on the age of diagnosis for this country.
69%
of people with MS in the world are women. Data is not available on the proportion of men and women who have MS for this country
Number of people with MS?
2.9 million
people are living with MS across the globe. Data on the number of people diagnosed with MS is not available for this country.
32,000
people under 18 years are diagnosed with MS in the 55 countries that were able to provide pediatric data. Information on pediatric MS is not available for this country.
Diagnosis of MS?
300*
people are diagnosed with MS across the globe each day - that's one person every 5 minutes. Data on the number of people diagnosed each year are not available for this country.
* number based on 75 reporting countries
85%
of people across the globe are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. 12% have progressive MS at diagnosis and for 3% the type is unknown at diagnosis. Data on the type of MS people have at initial diagnosis is not available for this country.
MS neurologists
15,269
neurologists who specialise in MS across the globe. This means globally there is 1 MS neurologist for every 153 people with MS. There are no MS neurologists in this country.
MS nurses
5,405
nurses who specialise in MS across the globe. This means globally there is 1 MS nurse for every 416 people with MS. There are no MS nurses in this country.
Note that whilst MS neurologists and MS nurses specialise in the care of people with MS, they are also likely to support people with other neurological conditions, which is not captured in our data.
Disease modifying therapies used to treat MS
In the Atlas of MS we categorise on-label DMTs into three classes: moderate efficacy, good efficacy and high efficacy. Countries should aim to have access to a range of DMTs so that people with MS have options to suit their disease course and individual circumstances.
On-label DMTs used by efficacy category
High efficacy
Good efficacy
Moderate efficacy
On label DMTs are not used in this country as no one officially diagnosed with MS
Off-label DMTs used
Off-label DMTs are not used in this country as no one officially diagnosed with MS
DMT used in this country
DMT not used in this country
DMTs that have been licensed specifically for MS are referred to as 'on-label'. Please note on and off-label here refers to the regulatory status in the majority of countries.
Explore the latest MS data
Access the latest Atlas of MS reports, infographics, slides and datasets to support research, advocacy and policy development. Planning an analysis or publication? Contact the Atlas team at [email protected] for guidance on methodology, data interpretation and related work.
Powerful tool for change
The information in the Atlas of MS can be a powerful advocacy tool, shining a spotlight on MS and raising awareness of the lack of adequate resources available to diagnose, inform, treat, rehabilitate and support people with MS worldwide.
With thanks to…
Worldwide collaboration
The Atlas of MS relies on data supplied by MS organisations from around the world. We are most grateful to the country coordinators and their colleagues for taking the time and effort to gather the information and data.
How others have been making a difference
The Atlas of MS is one of the strongest examples of what the global MS movement can achieve through collaboration. By bringing together evidence from countries around the world, it helps inform policy, strengthen advocacy and guide future investment in research and healthcare. The Atlas also highlights the need for continued investment in surveillance, registries and data systems to strengthen our understanding of the true burden of MS. Better data lead to better decisions and, ultimately, better outcomes for people affected by MS worldwide.
Professor Mario Alberto Battaglia
Chair, MS International Federation (MSIF) and President of the Italian MS Society (Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla [AISM])