MS International Federation Urges Participation in Visibility Campaign on World MS Day

The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) is encouraging family members, caregivers, and patients affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) to participate in World MS Day today.

Created by MSIF and its members in 2009 to promote solidarity and bring hope to those affected by MS, the global initiative takes place every year on May 30.

Each year, MSIF, which now includes dozens of MS organizations worldwide, launches a campaign focused on a different theme to mark the day. This year’s theme is Visibility.

Called “My Invisible MS” (#MyInvisibleMS), the 2019 campaign is geared toward raising awareness of the invisible symptoms of MS, and their hidden impact on the quality of life of MS patients, their family members, and caregivers.

MSIF is encouraging all members of the MS community to participate in the initiative, which will give them the chance to share their unseen symptoms and experiences with others, raising the general public’s awareness of the daily challenges they face.

The campaign will also serve as an opportunity to correct people’s misconceptions about the disease, as well as to help them understand how they can support those affected by MS.

There are a variety of ways for those interested to participate in World MS Day and in the My Invisible MS campaign. These include getting involved in the campaign online and on social media by sharing posters and infographics about MS, hosting a get-together event on World MS Day, or even seeking support from other public organizations.

To help participants take part in the campaign, MSIF has created a toolkit, containing a list of free resources available in five different languages that may be used directly, or as inspiration for people to build their own tools.

The goal is to raise awareness and seek positive changes in the lives of the more than 2.3 million people affected by MS around the world.

MSIF is also encouraging all participants to complete a survey on how they are using the free resources, so it can improve them and evaluate their impact during World MS Day.

World MS Day is supported by generous donations from several pharmaceutical companies, including Biogen, Celgene, Novartis, and Merck.

For more information about World MS Day events taking place worldwide, visit this link.