Since 2003 - year of the EP resolution - EMSP (European Multiple Scleroris Platform) has been pursuing an important advocacy work focused on health inequalities in the European Union and beyond.

The launch of the "Code of Good Practice" in 2007 has been a major milestone in the bid to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and its impact on people's lives. Nevertheless MS remains under-diagnosed and sub-optimally treated in many European countries. For building up further this awareness on national level, EMSP - together with ZMSS, its Slovenian member - is organising a high-level roundtable for discussion in Slovenia on May 7th.

Expected participants are representatives of the European Commission (DG Sanco, DG Enterprise, DG Employment), the European Parliament, the Slovenian Health Ministry, the agency for medicines and products and medical devices of Slovenia, as well as medical healthcare professionals, both from European and Slovenian bodies. As it takes place during the EU Presidency of Slovenia we expect highest interest of the media for our ultimate goal to obtain endorsement and concrete actions in relation to the "Code" and its Consensus Papers.

EMSP goals are running parallel to those of the Commission's New Health strategy which includes the access to good quality care and the reduction of inequalities in health.

European Multiple Scleroris Platform (emsp)

EMSP's mission is..

-- to exchange and disseminate information relating to multiple sclerosis considering all issues relevant to people affected by MS;
-- to encourage research of all kinds that is appropriate to multiple sclerosis through recognised medical and other organisations;
-- to promote the development of join action programmes with the participation of national MS societies in Europe, aimed at improving the quality of their activities and services;
-- to act as focal point for liaison with the institutions of the European Union (EU), the Council of Europe and other European organisations, in order to study and propose measures to improve the autonomy of handicapped persons and promote their full participation in society.

www.ms-in-europe