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 European | Global results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of countries reporting each barrier | ||||
| Lack of awareness of MS symptoms among general public | No | 72% | 49% | 68% |
| Lack of awareness of MS symptoms among healthcare professionals | No | 59% | 39% | 59% |
| Healthcare professionals with knowledge to diagnose MS not available | Yes | 45% | 20% | 44% |
| Specialist medical equipment or diagnostic tests not available | Yes | 24% | 15% | 34% |
| Cost too expensive for the government, health provider or insurance provider | Yes | 28% | 12% | 26% |
| People suspected of having MS do not take the diagnostic tests due to costs, travel or other reasons | No | 48% | 20% | 41% |
| Bureaucracy, inefficiency or complexity in health system | No | 41% | 15% | 27% |
| Not sure | No | 0% | 0% | 1% |
| No major barriers to early diagnosis | No | 14% | 29% | 16% |
Please note, full data set provides additional detail on the barriers relating to healthcare professionals, equipment/diagnostic tests and people suspected of having MS.
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])