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:
Syrian Arab Republic
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?
27
years is the average age of an MS diagnosis.
71%
of people with MS are women.
Number of people with MS?
8,437
people are living with MS. This equates to 1 in every 2,000 people.
218
children under the age of 18 are
living with MS.
Diagnosis of MS?
449
new people are diagnosed each year. That's 37 diagnosed every month.
88%
of people are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. 9% have progressive MS.
MS neurologists
19
neurologists who specialise in MS. This means there is 1 MS neurologist for every 400 people with MS
MS nurses
10
nurses who specialise in MS. This means there is 1 MS nurse for every 759 people with MS
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
Alemtuzumab
Natalizumab
Ocrelizumab
Ofatumumab
Cladribine (oral)
Dimethyl fumarate
Diroximel fumarate
Fingolimod
Monomethyl fumarate
Ozanimod
Ponesimod
Siponimod
Glatiramer acetate
Interferon-beta 1a
Interferon-beta 1b
Peginterferon-beta 1a
Teriflunomide
Off-label DMTs used
Azathioprine
Methotrexate
Mitoxantrone
Rituximab
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])