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.
STATISTICS CATEGORY:
FIND STATISTICS FOR:
| Country of Interest:
|
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| Barriers preventing early MS diagnosis | Barrier present in country of interest? | World Bank category Upper middle income | WHO region Americas | Global results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of countries reporting each barrier | ||||
| Lack of awareness of MS symptoms among general public | Yes | 72% | 76% | 68.00% |
| Lack of awareness of MS symptoms among healthcare professionals | Yes | 59% | 65% | 59.00% |
| Healthcare professionals with knowledge to diagnose MS not available | Yes | 45% | 47% | 44.00% |
| Specialist medical equipment or diagnostic tests not available | Yes | 24% | 41% | 34.00% |
| Cost too expensive for the government, health provider or insurance provider | No | 28% | 29% | 26.00% |
| People suspected of having MS do not take the diagnostic tests due to costs, travel or other reasons | Yes | 48% | 65% | 41.00% |
| Bureaucracy, inefficiency or complexity in health system | Yes | 41% | 59% | 27.00% |
| Not sure | No | 0% | 0% | 1.00% |
| No major barriers to early diagnosis | No | 14% | 6% | 16.00% |
Please note, full data set provides additional detail on the barriers relating to healthcare professionals, equipment/diagnostic tests and people suspected of having MS.
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