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:
United Kingdom
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?
33
years is the average age of an MS diagnosis.
73%
of people with MS are women.
Number of people with MS?
133,780
people are living with MS. This equates to 1 in every 500 people.
230
children under the age of 18 are
living with MS.
Diagnosis of MS?
6,980
new people are diagnosed each year. That's 582 diagnosed every month.
89%
of people are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. 11% have progressive MS.
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 is no data for the number of neurologists who specialise in MS for the country.
MS nurses
348
nurses who specialise in MS. This means there is 1 MS nurse for every 379 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
Cladribine (subcutaneous or IV)
Cyclophosphamide
Fludarabine
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.
2020-22 worldwide study
The data shows that the number of people with MS across the globe has increased from 2.3 million in 2013 to 2.8 million in 2020 and 2.9 in 2023. It highlights the many barriers and inequalities that people with MS face in accessing diagnosis, treatment and care. Download the reports to see the full findings and recommendations or download the full dataset if you would like to conduct your own analysis comparing multiple countries.
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
This 3rd edition of the Atlas of MS shines a spotlight on the barriers to accessing diagnosis and disease modifying therapies around the world. These issues are particularly evident in low and middle income countries but high income countries are not exempt. This report highlights the need for major policy changes to ensure early diagnosis and improved access to a range of treatments, to guarantee the best possible outcomes for people with MS. Information from the Atlas of MS should be used to guide policy-makers, health planners and specialists, in order to close the gaps in care, decrease inequities globally and provide a better future for people with MS and their families.
Professor Mai Sharawy
Professor of Neuro-Ophthalmology at Cairo University – Egypt.
Founder of MS Care and Chair of MSIF Board