The campaign theme, “My MS Diagnosis: Navigating MS Together”, centred on the importance of timely diagnosis, stronger public understanding and better support systems for people living with the condition.
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system and can have a serious effect on mobility, vision, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.
Speaking to Channel Africa on Monday, Multiple Sclerosis Kenya Foundation Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Isaac Mulwa said multiple sclerosis involves damage to the outer covering of the nerves, a process that affects the nervous system and leads to a range of physical difficulties.
Mulwa, who was diagnosed in January 2022, said the condition can cause difficulty in movement, speech and vision. Mulwa said the condition is often misunderstood, with some people assuming that patients are intoxicated because of the visible effect on movement and speech.
Mulwa said diagnosis remains a major challenge across the continent. Mulwa said a personal diagnosis took 15 years and followed several misdiagnoses, including arthritis, diabetes and HIV. Mulwa said multiple sclerosis remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood in Africa.
Mulwa said the experience of diagnosis and treatment can be difficult because patients often need caregivers and support with basic tasks. Mulwa said awareness and advocacy could reduce some of those pressures for newly diagnosed patients.
Mulwa also called for African governments, organisations and other stakeholders to invest more in research into multiple sclerosis. Mulwa said the condition remains under-researched across the continent.
Stigma and misconceptions also remain a major concern. Mulwa said people living with multiple sclerosis can face bullying and false assumptions about drug use. Mulwa also said some patients in Kenya are viewed through the lens of witchcraft, adding to the burden carried by people living with the condition.
Mulwa said public education was needed to address myths and explain that multiple sclerosis is a medical condition. Mulwa also said patients should know that multiple sclerosis is not faced alone, even in settings where diagnosis remains limited.
–ChannelAfrica–
