A truly virtual and immersive experience to mark World MS Day 2017

For the first time ever and in time for World MS Day on May 31 2017, the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) House is coming to the European Parliament to shine a light on the challenges faced by 700,000 people with MS in Europe. This is a unique opportunity for members of the European Parliament and visitors to have a fully immersive and virtual experience that highlights the everyday challenges faced by people living with MS. It is an effort to mobilise policy makers to address the unmet needs that MS patients, their families and carers face every day. This exhibition, organised by EMSP and MEP Kateřina Konečná, aims to bring these challenges to the surface.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic (life-long) disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. MS is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, with the average age of onset 34 years of age. MS affects twice as many women than men. The disease is highly unpredictable and no two patients’ symptoms are the same. While some patients may be mildly affected, in other people the condition may progress more rapidly to different levels of disability. Common MS symptoms include blurred vision, extreme fatigue, pain, spasms, numbness in legs and hands, loss of movement and speech problems.

The challenges faced by people affected by MS require a holistic policy response that encompasses a wide range of measures focused on maintaining or improving patients’ quality of life and slowing down the progression of their disease. Key measures include:

• Ongoing support for research and innovation to address patients’ unmet needs
• Early diagnosis and access to innovative treatments
• Improve the collection and analysis of real world evidence data to better inform policy decision makers, regulators and payers. Ensure access to specialised, quality healthcare services and professionals across the EU
• Support patients’ empowerment and active engagement in the decision-making on the management of their disease.

The MS House is a fully immersive and virtual experience that shines a light on the realities of life with MS. The MS House and exhibition will be on display in the European Parliament from Tuesday 30 May 2017 to Thursday 1 June 2017. There will be a reception to mark the opening of the MS House and World MS Day on Tuesday 30 May 2017 at 18:00, JAN 3Q.

For more information or to register for the event, please contact events@emsp.org.