More than three million people worldwide are now estimated to be living with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a major international study co-authored by Professor Ingrid van der Mei from the MS Research Flagship at Menzies Institute for Medical Research.
Published in Multiple Sclerosis Journal, the study provides the latest update from the MS International Federation (MSIF)’s Atlas of MS, the world’s leading source of global data on the prevalence and impact of MS.
Researchers estimate that 3.1 million people are now living with MS worldwide, an increase of 54 per cent over the past decade.
The findings draw on data from 133 countries, representing 93 per cent of the world’s population,
Since its launch in 2008, the Atlas of MS has become an important resource for researchers, clinicians and policymakers worldwide, helping track changes in the global burden of the disease.
The global findings reflect trends seen in Australia, where MS prevalence has risen sharply in recent years. A 2025 report prepared by researchers from the MS Research Flagship at Menzies, including co-author Professor van der Mei, estimated that 37,756 Australians were living with MS in 2024, an increase of 77 per cent since 2010. The report also found Tasmania continues to have the highest prevalence of MS in Australia, at 190.1 cases per 100,000 people.
Professor van der Mei, head of the Epidemiology and Digital Health Research Group at Menzies, said the study highlights the growing global burden of MS.
“Reaching an estimate of more than three million people living with MS is a significant milestone and reflects trends we’re also seeing in Australia,” Professor van der Mei said.
“As the number of people living with MS continues to grow, reliable data is essential for informing healthcare planning, supporting advocacy and guiding research that improves lives.”
Researchers note that the increase in prevalence does not necessarily mean MS is becoming more common. A combination of earlier and more accurate diagnosis, improved data collection and longer life expectancy for people living with MS are all likely to have contributed.
The study also found that women continue to be disproportionately affected by MS, accounting for around 70 per cent of cases globally. In addition, the number of reported paediatric MS cases has grown substantially, with more than 40,000 children and adolescents now identified as living with the condition.
Professor van der Mei said the findings provide an important benchmark at a time when new international diagnostic criteria for MS are being introduced.
“As diagnostic approaches continue to evolve, it will be important to monitor how estimates change over time and ensure improvements in diagnosis and reporting occur equitably across all regions,” she said.
Read the original research paper: Global prevalence of multiple sclerosis surpasses 3 million: 2024 update of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation Atlas of MS