When compared to much of the rest of the world, the cases of Multiple Sclerosis in India are very few. The northern portion of India sees more MS issues than the southern part and this is believed to be because of the higher number of Indo-Europeans in the north. The prevalence rate of MS is only 1 per everyone 100,000 Indians. The low number of MS patients in general is thought to be due to the location of India. Most tropical countries have a lower percentage of MS patients than countries from temperate climates. Researches believe this has something to do with vitamin D.
Sunshine supplies natural vitamin D to humans when they spend time in the sun. Sitting in the sunshine without sunblock on for at least 10 minutes provides most individuals with a daily dose of vitamin D. Certain studies have shown supplementing the daily diet with high doses of vitamin D reduces the likelihood of having MS in the first place.
People with MS in India are offered support through the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India, or MSSI. This non-profit organization was established in 1985 and relies on the aid of volunteers. The MSSI is a member of the MSIF (MS International Federation) in London. Additional MS chapters have been placed throughout India and come to a total of 9 as of yet. The MSSI provides MS news, tips on living with the disease, basic information about MS, and a list of events MSSI organizes throughout the year. Being a non-profit group, the MS Society of India gathers funds by hosting a number of events at any of their chapter locations. Volunteers are always welcome to help out.
How to do MS in India by Helping MSSI
Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in India actually doubled within a 15 year span in one particular hospital in India. The majority of these cases seem to be within the Parsi population of India.
The number of reported cases of Multiple Sclerosis in India continues to rise, just like elsewhere in the world. Getting involved with MSSI is an excellent way to help spread awareness of this disease. This group not only needs helpers for community activities, but they can use people with a number of other skills as well. People who have expertise in marketing, data collection, accounting, medical care, design, creating art work, office administration, or organizing events are always a huge plus. Contacting the MS Society of India and finding out what’s needed is also beneficial.
