2025 Campaign Highlights

World MS Day 2025 was inspiring! The global MS community came together with power and purpose – organising creative events, raising awareness and illuminating cities for MS. Together we advocated for early and accurate MS diagnosis by lobbying governments, sharing real experiences and knowledge. Here are just some of this year’s incredible highlights.

Advocacy

Activities

Making Headlines

MS Awareness and Training

MS Research

Challenges

Getting Creative

Lighting up the World

Sharing MS Diagnosis Stories

Advocacy

World MS Day is a powerful platform to engage leaders and decision makers with MS. Find out how MS organisations used the campaign to advocate for change.

Poland

The Polish MS Society brought World MS Day to the Polish Parliament, holding a meeting in dialogue with lawmakers about MS diagnosis and care. An MS poster exhibition was displayed in Parliament and iconic Warsaw buildings illuminated orange in solidarity.

Australia

MS Australia hosted a special event at Government House, where the Governor-General welcomed guests and delivered the opening address. Attended by parliamentarians, health professionals, and members of the MS community, the gathering highlighted the importance of collaboration and support. The event also marked the launch of Living Well with MS, a new wellness guide designed to support the health and wellbeing of people living with MS.

Egypt

MS Care Egypt worked with the Egyptian Ministry of Health to organise a community awareness event for World MS Day. A spokesman from the national Ministry of Health and Population shared the Ministry’s support for improving MS awareness and diagnosis. Efforts to provide specialised care units to treat people with MS in more provinces and remote areas across the country were celebrated.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico commemorated World MS Day with a nationwide show of support from local mayors, government agencies, hospitals, neurologists and the general public. The Puerto Rican Police Department publicly endorsed the campaign and the Community Organisation of MS and Cancer (COMSC) organised events across the island.

North Republic of Macedonia
The National Association of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis ran a World MS Day press conference to announce a major fund increase for MS treatment after advocating for change. The funding increase was a reponse to local patient demands for better access to MS medicines. Increased investment means people with MS have better access to biological therapies and can now receive treatment outside of the capital city.

UAE

The National MS Society announced a landmark $6.8M grant with Erth Zayed Philanthropies to advance MS care across the UAE. The new partnership will support the UAE’s first National Coalition for MS, aiming to to improve diagnosis, care, inclusion, and research for people living with MS.

Ireland

MS Ireland welcomed over 40 members of the Parliament of Ireland to a World MS Day Briefing and Panel Discussion in Leinster House. The event featured moving testimonies from people with living with MS alongside insights from medical and service delivery experts, highlighting the lived realities of MS and the pressing need for targeted investment in MS services ahead of the 2026 Budget.

Yemen

The MS Patients Association in Yemen gathered in a city park for an evening of MS awareness talks, personal stories and the distribution of information materials. The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Culture, who delivered a message about the importance of early diagnosis.

Activities

Korea

The Korean Multiple Sclerosis Association gathered in Seoul for a day of activities, patient stories and expert talks on diagnosis and treatment. There was a special award ceremony, dancing performances and fun activities for all to try such as calligraphy, and keyring making booths.

Iceland
The MS Society of Iceland celebrated World MS Day with a fun-filled family event featuring music, magic, and games. A charity golf tournament followed to raise support for MS services. Online, a social media campaign spotlighted personal MS stories and boosted awareness and fundraising efforts.

Brazil

The Associação Brasileira de Esclerose Múltipla brought the MS community together in Brazil with live concerts, dancing and a group trip to a theme park.

Lithuania
The Lithuanian MS Union (LISS) ran a gathering at the MS therapy centre in the sunshine to build connections, promote self care.

Argentina

The Asociación de Lucha Contra la Esclerosis Múltiple organised a community sailing day. The local MS community made waves together, navigating the water whilst building relationships with other people affected by MS.

Portugal

The Sociedade Portuguesa de Sclerosis Múltipla (SPEM) ran a jam-packed World MS Day program, with seminars on positive psychology, group picnics, theatre shows and MS events. The My MS Diagnosis poster maker was even translated into Portuguese to share diagnosis stories locally.

Greece

The Greek MS Society hosted a vibrant day of free activities across Thessaloniki – from Pilates and sailing to group photos. Participants wore orange and illuminated the city to raise awareness.

Japan
The Japan MS Society continued its focus on wellness with an open yoga class. The class encouraged connection and movement – inviting participants to feel good while learning more about MS.

Malaysia

World MS Day was celebrated across Malaysia. The Penang MS Support Group gathered to celebrate it’s 16 anniversary of the regional support groups, with talks and interactive drawing activities. The MS Society of Malaysia met together in a hospital for a joint event under the theme ‘Caring Minds, Connected Lives’.

Making Headlines

Turkey

MS Turkey ran a Press Conference to launch MSafeler – an innovative, AI-assisted visual art project aimed at making the invisible symptoms of MS visible. By mixing art and technology, this initiative raised MS awareness and highlighted the importance of early diagnosis.

Argentina
Esclerosis Múltiple Argentina ran a live radio broadcast over two hours to raise awareness about MS symptoms, rehabilitation, research, and patient rights. There was also a series of MS seminars with healthcare professionals including neurologists, psychologists and nutritionists.

Spain

La Asociación Española de Esclerosis Múltiple (AEDEM) created a powerful Press Release. The message was picked up by national media outlets, amplifying the importance of early MS diagnosis, MS training, continued care, and the need for MS associations across Spain.

MS Awareness and Training

Lack of MS awareness among healthcare professionals and the public are major barriers to early diagnosis. This World MS Day, MS organisations led awareness and training initiatives to improve knowledge of MS.

Nepal

The Multiple Sclerosis Society Nepal (MSSN) hosted a national conference in Kathmandu to raise awareness about MS and the challenges of timely diagnosis in Nepal. The event featured keynote lectures by neurologists, patient testimonials, and a multidisciplinary panel discussion on diagnosis. Over 100 participants attended the conference which increased awareness, promoted early diagnosis, and strengthened partnerships between MSSN and medical institutions.

Romania

The Association of Patients with Neurodegenerative Conditions in Romania (APAN) brought the MS community together for two days of learning, sharing, and support. Neurologists and psychologists joined people living with MS to share management tips, and resilience strategies for life with MS.

Colombia
In Medellín, the Asociación de Lucha Contra la Esclerosis Múltiple (ALEM) hosted its flagship event, Práctica Médica Solidaria con la EM, in collaboration with the Universidad de Antioquia. The day brought together top neurologists to discuss advances in MS diagnosis and care.

In Bogotá the Fundación para la Esclerosis Múltiple y otras enfermedades (FUNDEM) organised a day of MS learning, awareness and connection. The event was organised in collaboration with the Ibero-American University of Colombia with talks from experts in neurology and physiotherapy, as well as personal stories from people with MS.

Bahrain

The Bahrain MS Patients Society held a special World MS Day event with presentations from neurologists consultants and physiotherapists.

Cuba
On May 30, EMCuba marked World MS Day with a special scientific and recreational event at the Casa de Cultura in Centro Habana. The celebration highlighted progress in MS awareness, research, and community support throughout the month of May.

Germany
The German MS Society (DMSG) launched a series of impactful initiatives under the theme “Diagnosed with MS? A Thousand Faces – and Yours.” A national online seminar with MS experts provided vital guidance on diagnosis, treatment options, and living well with MS

Global

Early diagnosis of MS is vital but the MS community face barriers preventing early diagnosis in 83% of countries worldwide. The MS International Federation (MSIF) organised a global webcast on 30 May about ‘Improving MS Diagnosis Globally’. There was an international panel featuring people with MS, experts in neurology and MS research, and MS organisations leading innovative diagnosis work. You can watch a recording of the webcast here.  

Spain
Esclerosis Múltiple España launched a nationwide campaign under the slogan My MS is real, I’m not making it up, calling for faster diagnoses and more comprehensive care. A powerful video shared the real-life impact of diagnosis and the emotional toll of living with misunderstood symptoms.

Kuwait

MS Kuwait marked World MS Day 2025 with a special awareness event held under the patronage of Sheikha Anisa Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah. The event featured expert speakers from the Ministry of Health, who highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, better care, and raising MS awareness in Kuwait.

Global

To mark World MS Day 2025, a special online course titled MS Diagnosis and Symptoms was launched to improve global understanding of MS Diagnosis. It was designed for anyone interested in learning about MS symptoms, diagnosis and improving early detection worldwide. The course engaged 1,591 participants from 116 countries. With over half of all enrolments coming from healthcare professionals, the course proved to be a valuable educational tool for the medical community. It was developed by Menzies Institute for Medical Research in collaboration with MS International Federation and with support from MS Australia and MS Plus.

MS Research

This World MS Day, MS organisations shared new MS research and championed clinical innovation – funding new studies and sharing new findings.

Italy

In Italy the Cochrane MS and Rare Diseases of the CNS held a webinar about reproductive Health for Women with MS. The webinar featured medical experts, real-life patient experiences, and new research efforts, shedding light on the gender knowledge gaps and information needs of women with MS.

Morocco
Hana SEP ran an educational seminar with leading neurologists.  The panel discussed new treatments alongside psychological and social support for people living with MS.

Sweden

Neuroförbundet (Neuro Sweden) organised MS Conferences in seven locations across Sweden. The conferences featured MS research lectures from neurologists and seminars from people with MS.

Tunisia

The Association Tunisienne des Malades de la Sclérose en Plaques (ATSEP) organised a World MS Day event with presentations from researchers, doctors and rehabilitation specialists on the latest MS research and managing MS.

Challenges

Iran

The Iran MS Society organised a joyful cycling event in the Bustan province. Participants wore orange scarves around their necks whilst cycling in support of the MS community.  

Namibia

MS Namibia ran their annual 5K run and walk to raise awareness and funds for MS in the beautiful surroundings around the Avis Dam.

Global

Over 10,000 participants from 50 different countries took part in The May 50K – a global fitness and fundraising challenge to walk, roll, or run 50KM for MS. MSIF delivered The May 50k in collaboration with national MS organisations in Germany (DMSG), the MS Society UK, MS Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA), and Stichting MS Research in the Netherlands. £905K has been raised to support both national initiatives and efforts to accelerate research and improve access to life-changing treatments to those affected by MS.

Ireland
MS Ireland brought the local community together with a vibrant series of events and challenges, Supporters across the country joined the “Take a Dip” challenge — plunging into seas, lakes, and even cold showers to represent the 10,000 people living with MS in Ireland. There were heartwarming coffee mornings, vintage car shows and a national webinar exploring personal diagnosis stories.

Slovakia
The Združenie sclerosis multiplex Nádej ran a cycling event to raise MS awareness and promote early diagnosis. The event ran across, with participants cycling from the High Tatras to the Danube River. A physical challenge, as well as a platform for education and community building.

Botswana
The Myelin Foundation Botswana organized a 10km walk followed by health talks and a video screening to raise awareness about MS.

Croatia
MS Team Croatia led the national ‘Every Step Counts’ campaign under the slogan Walk for Those Who Can’t. 14 cities across the country hosted MS Walks from May 26–30, culminating in a vibrant flagship event at Lake Bundek in Zagreb. The nationwide effort united communities in support of people living with MS and sent a strong message of solidarity.

Global

The MS Heart is a symbol of solidarity for everyone affected by MS. The MS Heart Challenge invites World MS Day supporters to share photos of MS hearts somewhere special. The global MS community delivered! From religious temples, to calming forests and city monuments – MS hearts were added to the map from 33 countries across the world.

Getting creative

India

MSSI’s National Youth Wing hosted a creative online zine-making workshop inspired by the theme. People with MS and caregivers blended art, poetry, and personal stories – to express their diagnosis journeys. The session highlighted self-expression as a tool for healing, advocacy, and connection within the MS community.

Czech Republic
Unie ROSKA hosted a lively awareness event featuring yoga, eye screenings, children’s art, and tours at Břevnov Monastery. The event showcased creative works by people with MS and provided opportunities to learn more about life with MS.

Croatia

The Association of Multiple Sclerosis Societies of Croatia held 18 screenings of G35, a short film about MS. The film screenings were followed by expert panel discussions to share knowledge and raise awareness about MS. The slogan for the association’s campaign this year was ‘I Am More Than MS: Small Victories, Big Stories’.

Peru
ESMUP brought the MS community together to showcase artwork created in their workshops. This vibrant exhibition raised awareness about the invisible impact of MS, highlighting creativity as a powerful tool for connection and advocacy.

Lighting up the World

As the sun set on World MS Day 2025, landmarks across the world shone bright in solidarity – from Denmark’s Green Belt Bridge to Parliament House in Adelaide Australia. Even castles joined the cause! The historic walls of Dublin Castle, the Rocca Pia castle in Italy, and the majestic Castelo dos Mouros in Portugal blazed like beacons of hope. In Latin America, the eighth annual #IluminEMosLatinoamerica campaign united countries in lighting up key sites across the region, including the Palacio de la Moneda in Chile and the Torre del Reformador in Guatemala. 

Sharing MS Diagnosis Stories

Diagnosis stories were at the heart of World MS Day 2025. Real experiences were shared to raise awareness, highlight challenges, and support others. People living with MS across the globe added their diagnosis stories to the World MS Day map and beyond.

Dominican Republic
Renacer hosted a World MS Day event focused on life after diagnosis. Patients shared their personal journeys, showing how they continue to pursue their dreams despite the challenges of MS.

Israel

The Israeli MS Society hosted an evening of short TED-style talks for people affected by MS to share personal stories, expert insights, and strategies for living a full with MS.

United Kingdom

The UK MS Society partnered with MS together to share MS diagnosis stories. Supporters created inspiring videos sharing first symptoms and helpful tips to help others navigating an MS diagnosis.

Global

This year’s My MS Diagnosis Poster Maker gave people with MS a simple visual way to share their MS diagnosis journeys. The tool allowed users to create personalised posters reflecting real diagnosis experiences – from first MS symptoms to challenges faced along the way. Over 3650 posters were created, each one a powerful story to raise awareness and help others better understand what it’s really like to be diagnosed with MS.

This is just a snapshot of the fantastic events that took place. You can help us capture more highlights by emailing us at worldmsday@msif.org