120,000 people have multiple sclerosis in France, 75% are women.
Multiple Sclerosis Day (MS) or WorldMSDay (in English) takes place every year on May 30. This is a day of awareness and mobilization around Multiple Sclerosis, a neurological disease of autoimmune origin which occurs most often between the age of 20 to 40 years old. In France, around 120,000 patients suffer from MS and around 3,000 new cases occur each year, 75% of those affected are women. It is caused by an inflammatory process generating destruction of myelin (protective sheath of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord) and degeneration of nerve cells, which causes after-effects which can be permanent, disabling, affecting motor skills, sensitivity, vision, control of sphincters or intellectual functions. Date and list of events to participate.
When is World Multiple Sclerosis Day in 2026?
The official date dedicated to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in France and around the world is Saturday May 30, 2026. While most cities and associations organize their events on that day, mobilization actions, conferences and workshops take place throughout the month of May (called “MS Month”).
What is the theme of World MS Day?
The official theme of this 2026 edition is “My MS Diagnosis”, accompanied by the slogan “Navigating MS together”. This international campaign campaigns for earlier and more accurate diagnosis for all people living with the disease. It highlights global barriers to accessing diagnosis, raises public awareness by sharing real-life testimonies and calls for better training of healthcare professionals. The objective is to build informed and supportive communities to support patients from the moment they are diagnosed with illness.
Why wear a blue ribbon for MS Day?
Since 2013, the blue ribbon has become, thanks to the UNISEP Federation (Union for the Fight against Multiple Sclerosis), the symbol of support for people with multiple sclerosis and those around them. Wearing it on May 30 allows you to publicly display your solidarity and demonstrate your commitment to spreading the word about this disease. To obtain the ribbon, you can contact partner associations or the ARSEP Foundation (at the price of 2 euros).
When was World Multiple Sclerosis Day created?
World Multiple Sclerosis Day was established in 2009 by the MS International Federation (MSIF) and its member associations around the world. Since then, each campaign has been developed annually by MSIF and an international working group made up of representatives from many countries (India, Tunisia, Ireland, Argentina, Spain, United Kingdom, Australia, United States, etc.) in order to give a global and united voice to the fight against the disease.
