Barriers preventing early MS diagnosis Barrier present in country of interest? World Bank category High income WHO region Western Pacific Global results
% of countries reporting each barrier
Lack of awareness of MS symptoms among general public Yes 55% 89% 68.00%
Lack of awareness of MS symptoms among healthcare professionals Yes 45% 89% 59.00%
Healthcare professionals with knowledge to diagnose MS not available No 27% 78% 44.00%
Specialist medical equipment or diagnostic tests not available No 16% 44% 34.00%
Cost too expensive for the government, health provider or insurance provider No 2% 11% 26.00%
People suspected of having MS do not take the diagnostic tests due to costs, travel or other reasons No 18% 33% 41.00%
Bureaucracy, inefficiency or complexity in health system No 20% 11% 27.00%
Not sure No 0% 0% 1.00%
No major barriers to early diagnosis No 27% 0% 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.

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.

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.

See contributor list

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