World Multiple Sclerosis Day Date in the current year: May 30, 2024

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder in which the insulating myelin sheath covering nerve cells in the brain and spinal chord is damaged. The damage prevents parts of nervous system from communicating properly, which results in a range of signs and symptoms, including vision impairment, trouble with sensation and/or coordination, memory problems, muscle weakness, and others. The condition usually appears in adults in their late twenties or early thirties.

The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown, like with many other autoimmune disorders. This means there is no cure for the disease, although there are remedies that help relieve symptoms and prevent symptomatic attacks. There are about 2.3 million people affected by multiple sclerosis worldwide, and probably hundreds of thousands more remain undiagnosed.

The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation was established in 1967 in order to link the activities of national multiple sclerosis societies around the world. World MS Day was first observed in 2009. Originally observed on the last Wednesday in May, it was moved on May 30. Its main goal is to raise awareness of MS, campaign with and for everyone affected by the condition, and raise funds to support MS research. The annual awareness campaign is supported by almost 50 MS organizations around the world.