Multiple Sclerosis South Africa

Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA) is the national organization supporting people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) across South Africa. Founded by individuals who understand the everyday realities of MS, we exist to ensure that no one faces this condition alone. As a patient-led, registered nonprofit (NPO #003-275), our work is grounded in lived experience, guided by expert medical advice, and shaped by a passionate community. We provide trusted information, peer support, advocacy, and access to resources at every stage of the MS journey. We are a proud member of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) and contribute to global efforts to improve MS care, research, and policy. Our mission is to promote dignity, connection, and equitable access to treatment and support for all. Our Vision A South Africa where no one affected by MS is left behind - where every person can access the care and support they need, live with dignity, and find connection, community, and purpose. The Challenge In South Africa, people living with multiple sclerosis face significant barriers that affect their health and quality of life. Too many wait years for an accurate diagnosis, while symptoms are dismissed, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed. And once diagnosed, access to appropriate treatment is often limited - especially for those relying on the public health system or living in under-resourced areas. There is a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals, gaps in referral systems, and inconsistent access to MS specialists and disease-modifying therapies. These challenges delay care, deepen health inequalities, and leave many people feeling isolated, unsupported, and invisible. At MSSA, we are working to change this. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we are pushing for earlier diagnosis, better treatment access, and equal care for all - because no one should have to face MS alone or unsupported. Umceli Mngeni EMzantsi Afrika, abantu abaphila ne-meervoudige sklerose (MS) bajamelene nemiqobo emikhulu echaphazela impilo kunye nomgangatho wobomi babo. Abaninzi balinda iminyaka ukufumana uxilongo oluchanekileyo, ngelixa iimpawu zabo zingahoywanga, zingaqondwa kakuhle, okanye zixilongwa gwenxa. Kwaye xa bexilongiwe, ukufikelela kunyango olufanelekileyo kudla ngokuba luncinci - ngakumbi kwabo baxhomekeke kwinkqubo yezempilo kawonke-wonke okanye abahlala kwiindawo ezingenazo izixhobo ezaneleyo. Kukho ukungabikho kolwazi phakathi kwabasebenzi bezempilo, izikhewu kwiinkqubo zokudluliselwa, kunye nokungafani kokufikelela kwiingcali ze-MS kunye nonyango oluguqula isifo. Le miqobo ilibazisa unyango, yandisa ukungalingani kwezempilo, kwaye ishiyela abantu abaninzi beziva bedinga, bengaxhaswanga, kwaye bengabonakali. Kwa-MSSA, sisebenza ukutshintsha oku. Ngoncedo, imfundo, kunye nentsebenziswano, sifuna uxilongo olukhawulezayo, ukufikelela kunyango olungcono, kunye nonyango olulinganayo kubo bonke - kuba akukho mntu kufuneka ajongane ne-MS yedwa okanye engenaxhaso. Die Uitdaging In Suid-Afrika is dit nie maklik om met meervoudige sklerose (MS) te leef nie. Te veel mense wag jare vir antwoorde. Simptome word maklik misverstaan, verkeerd gediagnoseer, of eenvoudig afgemaak. En wanneer ’n diagnose uiteindelik kom, is dit net die begin van nog ’n lang pad - een waar toegang tot behandeling en ondersteuning vir baie mense buite bereik bly, veral in die openbare gesondheidstelsel of in afgeleë dele van die land. Daar’s steeds groot leemtes in kennis oor MS, nie net onder gesondheidswerkers nie, maar in die breër stelsel. Mense weet nie altyd waarheen om te gaan, wie om te vra nie, of hoe om vorentoe te beweeg nie. En daardie onsekerheid kan jou laat voel jy is heeltemal op jou eie. Maar jy is nie. By MSSA weet ons hoe dit voel, en ons werk elke dag om iets daaraan te doen. Ons praat, deel, leer en staan op namens almal wat met MS leef. Ons glo in vroeër diagnoses, regverdiger toegang tot sorg, en in ondersteuning wat jou nie net as pasiënt sien nie, maar as mens. Niemand behoort MS alleen of stil-stil te probeer hanteer nie. Nie in ons land nie. Nie in enige land nie Our Mission To empower, support, and advocate for people affected by multiple sclerosis in South Africa by providing trusted information, peer connection, and access to care. We raise our voices against the urgent challenges people with MS face - especially the need for earlier diagnosis, timely treatment, and equitable healthcare across all communities. Rooted in lived experience, we are committed to building awareness, promoting dignity, and driving change for a better future with MS. What We Do Support & Connection. We offer a trusted support network for people living with MS in South Africa. Through peer groups, webinars, podcasts, and one-on-one check-ins, we create safe spaces for sharing, learning, and building community. Information & Education. MSSA provides accurate, up-to-date, and locally relevant information about MS - from diagnosis to treatment and daily management. Our goal is to empower individuals to make informed choices and feel more in control of their journey. Advocacy & Awareness. We actively advocate for earlier diagnosis, equitable access to treatment, and recognition of MS as a serious public health issue. By working with medical experts, government bodies, global partners, and industry stakeholders, we ensure the voice of people with MS is heard where it matters most. Global Collaboration. As the national member of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), MSSA represents South Africa on the global stage. We contribute to international efforts focused on access, brain health, research, and patient-driven innovation. Our Values People first. People affected by MS are at the heart of everything we do, shaping decisions and driving positive change. Collaborative. We are strong because we work together - inspiring each other, sharing resources, ideas, and influence. Inclusive. We are open and inclusive, embracing the richness of diversity and lived experience. Driven. We are strategic and determined, acting with urgency to find solutions with and for people affected by MS. A Message From Our CEO “At MSSA, we believe in the power of knowledge, connection, and community. MS may bring challenges, but it also brings courage - and we see that courage every day in the people we support. Our role is to stand with you, to speak up for you, and to make sure you never feel invisible. We’re in this together, and together, we’re stronger.” - Non Smit, Chief Executive Officer