The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) was established in 1967 as an international body linking the activities of National MS societies around the world. The Federation seeks to work in worldwide partnership with Member Societies and the international

scientific community The scientific community is a diverse network of interacting scientists. It includes many " sub-communities" working on particular scientific fields, and within particular institutions; interdisciplinary and cross-institutional activities are als ...

to eliminate multiple sclerosis and its consequences, and to speak out globally on behalf of those affected by multiple sclerosis. MSIF works to achieve its goal through the following key priorities: * International

research Research is " creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge". It involves the collection, organization and analysis of evidence to increase understanding of a topic, characterized by a particular attentiveness ...

* Development of new and existing societies *

Exchange of information {{NPOV language, date=June 2013 In the area of tax policy, Exchange of Information is a critical tool in assuring compliance with tax codes. As the economy becomes increasingly globalized taxpayers gain greater freedom to move between countries an ...

* Advocacy __TOC__

History

Since its establishment in 1967, MSIF has grown to link the work of 48 member MS societies worldwide. MSIF is in touch with many other emerging societies, and aims to support all MS societies in their development. MSIF has a budget of around £2 million per year, with most funding coming from member societies, charitable foundations and fundraising campaigns. Around a quarter of its income comes from the health care industry. In cooperation with the

World Health Organization The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution states its main objective as "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of ...

, MSIF has published the most extensive source of global

data In the pursuit of knowledge, data (; ) is a collection of discrete Value_(semiotics), values that convey information, describing quantity, qualitative property, quality, fact, statistics, other basic units of meaning, or simply sequences of sy ...

about the

epidemiology Epidemiology is the study and analysis of the distribution (who, when, and where), patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in a defined population. It is a cornerstone of public health, and shapes policy decisions and evide ...

of MS, the ''Atlas of MS''. The most recent edition of the Atlas of MS was published in 2020, and shows that there are 2.8 million people living with MS globally. MSIF supports the ''International Pediatric MS Study Group'' (IPMSSG) - a group of

medical professional A health professional, healthcare professional, or healthcare worker (sometimes abbreviated HCW) is a provider of health care treatment and advice based on formal training and experience. The field includes those who work as a nurse, physician (suc ...

s from all continents working to improve the treatment of children with MS, and to undertake international research into childhood MS. In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MSIF gathered MS research experts and clinicians from around the world to produce global COVID-19 advice for people with MS. This has been updated at various intervals throughout the pandemic as new evidence has emerged. MSIF collaborated with the MS Data Alliance to establish the COVID-19 and MS Global Data Sharing Initiative. This collected data on how the coronavirus impacted people with MS and the results informed the global COVID-19 advice for people with MS.

World Multiple Sclerosis Day

Since May 2009, MSIF has organized
World Multiple Sclerosis Day
which is now supported by MS organizations and individuals in around 100 countries. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of MS as a global issue and make changes in the lives of people with MS. It is "A day to celebrate global solidarity and hope for the future" World MS Day is officially marked on 30 May every year, though events and campaigns take place throughout the month of May. The theme for World MS Day 2020-2022 is 'MS Connections'. The campaign focuses on building community connection, self-connection and connections to quality care. The campaign tagline is ‘I Connect, We Connect’ and the campaign hashtag is #MSConnections.MS Connections challenges social barriers that leave people affected by MS feeling lonely and socially isolated. It is an opportunity to advocate for better services, celebrate support networks and champion self-care.

References

External links

MSIF Website
{{Authority control Federations International medical and health organizations International organisations based in London Multiple sclerosis organizations Organisations based in the London Borough of Southwark Organizations established in 1967