Multiple Sclerosis NZ Urges New Zealanders To Boost Their MS Knowledge With Free Global Online Course

Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ) is calling on healthcare professionals, people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), and the wider community to register for a free online course launched by the MS International Federation (MSIF) ahead of World MS Day on 30 May 2026.

The course, 'MS Symptoms and Diagnosis', is a special World MS Day edition of the award-winning Understanding MS programme developed by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research in collaboration with MSIF, with support from MS Australia and MS Plus. It is free, fully online, and takes approximately six hours to complete.

The course opens on 1st May 2026 and closes on 15th June 2026. Registration is available at www.worldmsday.org/online-course.

Course details:
Opens: 1 May 2026
Closes: 15 June 2026
Duration: Approximately 6 hours, 1 hour per week
Cost: Free
Format: Online
Register: worldmsday.org/online-course

Multiple sclerosis affects over 5,000 New Zealanders. It is a complex neurological condition that can be difficult to diagnose, and delayed diagnosis can have significant consequences for those living with MS. The course addresses this directly, covering how MS is diagnosed, the symptoms that indicate MS, the emotional impact of a diagnosis, and the global barriers that prevent people from receiving timely, accurate diagnoses.

The course is part of MSIF's My MS Diagnosis campaign, a global initiative calling for earlier and more accurate MS diagnosis for everyone.

"The journey to an MS diagnosis can be long and difficult. This course is an opportunity for GPs, nurses, and anyone touched by MS to deepen their understanding - and that understanding can change lives. We urge every New Zealander with a connection to MS, whether as a patient, a healthcare professional, a carer, or a friend, to register and take part."

— Amanda Rose, National Manager, Multiple Sclerosis NZ

MSNZ is encouraging its 18 regional member societies, MS nurses, GPs, and allied health professionals across the country to share the course with their networks. People living with MS are also being encouraged to reach out directly to their own GP practice to promote the course.

World MS Day, observed globally on 30 May each year, is the world's largest MS awareness campaign, uniting the MS community around a shared theme. This year's theme centres on the critical importance of early and accurate MS diagnosis.

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