Authors
Jad Costa, Joelle Massouh, Saloua Mrabet, Bassem Yamout, Gabrielle Macaron
Published in
International journal of MS care. Volume 27. Issue Suppl 1. Pages T21-T26. Epub Jul 21, 2025.
Abstract
The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasing in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), in part due to better access to earlier diagnosis. Many MENA countries are now considered to fall in moderate to high MS risk zones. MS in MENA populations occurs at a younger age and is more severe, specifically in North African populations. Large disparities in MS care have been observed among MENA countries. Access to care remains a significant obstacle in countries with low incomes, active wars, and a large number of refugees. The MENA MS population could serve as participants in the evaluation of several genetic, epigenetic, and environmental risk factors for MS. Indeed, low vitamin D levels due to reduced sun exposure in hijab-wearing women might explain the striking rising prevalence in Iran after the Islamic revolution, and the prevention of MS with vitamin D could be evaluated in this community. Moreover, because immigration is part of the history of MENA populations, it can serve as an archetype for the study of the impact of immigration on MS risk and severity. Unfortunately, MENA populations are underrepresented in clinical trials, limiting our understanding of this group. However, with the creation of the Middle East and North Africa Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and the emergence of highly specialized MS centers in several countries, better access to care and collaborative research efforts are expanding.
PMID:
42903012
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 22 Oct 2026.
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