Your Account
EMSP 2025: Shaping the Future of Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Prevention and Care
13.05.2025As the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP) prepares for its Annual Conference in Prague, the spotlight is on prevention—but with a crucial difference. At EMSP, we believe that meaningful progress can only happen when the people most affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are driving the conversation. Our approach is simple yet powerful: “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
The Experts of Experience: People Living with MS
People living with MS bring irreplaceable expertise to the table—real-life insights into challenges that often remain invisible to those outside the MS community. Their perspectives are vital in:
- Research design and priorities
- Regulatory discussions with the European Medicines Agency
- National healthcare policy development
- Treatment access decisions
As we build on the momentum from last year’s successful conference in Brussels, where many politicians pledged support for our policy recommendations, we’re focusing on three critical areas where change is urgently needed.
Treatment Access: A Right, Not a Privilege
The numbers tell a troubling story: As per EMSP’s MS Barometer, only 50% of people with MS across Europe have access to essential treatments. For the 1.2 million Europeans living with MS, this means half aren’t receiving even basic immunotherapy that could significantly improve their quality of life and long-term outcomes. Early intervention matters, yet geographic and economic barriers continue to prevent equal access across Europe.
Rehabilitation: The Missing Piece of Comprehensive Care
Rehabilitation isn’t optional—it’s essential for managing symptoms, preventing disability progression, and maintaining independence. Yet many people with MS face:
- Geographical barriers to specialised services
- Financial burdens from out-of-pocket costs
- Inconsistent coverage across healthcare systems
The evidence is clear: comprehensive rehabilitation reduces complications and improves quality of life, making it a critical component of effective MS management.
Workforce Participation: Preserving Talent and Dignity
When talented professionals with MS leave the workforce prematurely due to inadequate accommodations, everyone loses. As Europe faces growing workforce shortages, we can’t afford to lose valuable skills and experience. Supporting people with MS in the workplace means:
- Implementing flexible work arrangements
- Providing reasonable accommodations
- Creating truly inclusive work environments
- Recognizing the unique contributions of employees with MS
Progress on the Global Stage
We celebrate a landmark achievement: the WHO’s historic decision in July 2023 to include three disease-modifying therapies on its Essential Medicines List. This breakthrough signals growing recognition that MS treatments must be accessible worldwide, not just in high-income regions.
Join the EMSP2025 Conference: Be Part of the Change
The EMSP Annual Conference 2025 will bring together diverse stakeholders to chart the future of MS care and prevention. This is your opportunity to:
- Contribute your unique expertise
- Connect with leaders across disciplines
- Be part of a movement transforming MS and related disorders care across Europe
When: 16–17 May 2025
Where: Don Giovanni Hotel, Prague
Register for the conference livestream here
