Global & Community Health: Diagnosis and Management of Multiple Sclerosis in Nepal: Overcoming Barriers Through Local...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Global Health

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent CNS demyelinating disease affecting young adults.
• MS is often underdiagnosed and undertreated in low and middle-income countries.
• Challenges in Nepal include limited awareness, access to care, and high treatment costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers to MS diagnosis and management in Nepal.
• To propose context-specific adaptations for improving MS care.
• To demonstrate strategies for equitable MS care in resource-constrained settings.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive analysis of MS diagnosis and management challenges in Nepal.
• Identification of barriers: awareness, access to neurology, MRI, lab testing, and treatment costs.
• Outline of practical adaptations: simplified diagnostics, affordable therapies, and advocacy.

Main Results:

• Key barriers identified: low public/clinician awareness, limited access to specialists and diagnostics (MRI, labs), and high long-term treatment costs.
• Proposed adaptations include simplified diagnostic pathways and affordable immunosuppressive therapies.
• The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Nepal plays a crucial role in advocacy for access and affordability.

Conclusions:

• Addressing MS in resource-limited settings requires understanding local barriers.
• Context-specific, low-cost strategies are essential for improving diagnosis and management.
• Pragmatic approaches can enhance equitable access to MS care globally.