The Syrian Future Movement follows with grave concern and deep emotion the complex humanitarian and health situation in the country. This statement coincides with the international community’s commemoration of World Multiple Sclerosis Day, an occasion that serves as a global platform to highlight the suffering of patients and explore ways to integrate them and guarantee their right to treatment, which constitutes the essence of human dignity—a right championed by the blessed Syrian revolution.
First, an introduction to World Multiple Sclerosis Day and its historical background:
The Syrian Future Movement explains that World Multiple Sclerosis Day (MS Diagnosis/Awareness Day) is officially observed on May 30th of each year, a fixed date first established by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) in 2009.
The Syrian Future Movement also notes that this day is based on the values of human solidarity, health equity, and breaking social isolation.
It brings together the global MS movement to share stories, raise awareness, demand change, and build supportive communities for those affected by this chronic neurological disease. Furthermore, the Syrian Future Movement explains that multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), specifically the myelin sheath (the protective covering of nerves). This leads to disruption of nerve signals and the appearance of severe symptoms, including extreme fatigue, difficulty walking, balance problems, and vision problems. Its medical course varies between periods of remission and severe relapses.
Secondly, the Syrian health situation in numbers and statistics:
Recent medical and human rights reports issued in May 2026 indicate a dramatic deterioration in the Syrian health sector, with thousands of patients facing the risk of motor disability and complete paralysis due to a severe shortage of medications.
Statistical estimates confirm that the number of registered cases exceeds 8,400 in Syria, the vast majority of whom lack even the most basic preventive and disease-modifying therapies, such as interferon injections or advanced intravenous treatments like rituximab. This shortage has driven the cost on the black market to millions of Syrian pounds, making access to treatment economically impossible and threatening permanent and irreversible neurological damage among those affected.
Third, the health situation and the responsibility of the transitional phase:
The Syrian Future Movement believes that depriving multiple sclerosis patients of their medication protocols in various governorates is a dangerous indicator of the collapse of the healthcare system and requires immediate intervention that transcends political bureaucracy.
The Syrian Future Movement also believes that future political stability in Syria cannot be separated from the health and food security of its citizens, which necessitates making the health file a supra-political priority in all regional and international negotiations.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that the current institutions’ inability to address medical appeals for help represents a structural failure that requires a comprehensive restructuring of the Syrian health sector to ensure the equitable distribution of scarce medical resources.
Fourth, Recommendations:
The Syrian Future Movement proposes the establishment of an “Independent Syrian National Authority for Pharmaceutical Security” to manage and provide medications for chronic and neurological diseases in coordination with the World Health Organization. This would serve as an institutional alternative that transcends current geographical divisions.
The Syrian Future Movement also calls on humanitarian organizations and international donors to activate urgent medical supply channels, focusing on shipping specialized and high-quality treatments for multiple sclerosis directly to neutral geographical distribution centers to ensure they reach those in need.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes the necessity of integrating specialized healthcare into sustainable development plans and early reconstruction funds, while adopting a transitional legislative framework that guarantees the protection of the professional and social rights of people with disabilities and those with chronic illnesses.
Furthermore, the Syrian Future Movement urges Syrian medical professionals, both inside and outside the country, to form a joint specialized research network to address the severe shortage of accurate epidemiological data. This would contribute to increasing the contribution of Arab and international research to benefit Syrian patients.
Our commitment in the Syrian Future Movement to building a state of citizenship and justice compels us not to abandon the most vulnerable groups in our society to face their fate alone amidst the vicissitudes of the political landscape; for humanity is the ultimate goal of politics and the starting point for change.
Long live a healthy Syria, thanks to the awareness of its people.
