Current Advocacy Priorities
At Multiple Sclerosis NZ, we’re dedicated to making a measurable difference in the lives of people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), their families, and carers.
From advancing access to treatments and public health services, to strengthening regional community services and promoting brain health strategies, our work empowers individuals impacted by MS to live well.
Our impact is demonstrated through the progress we’ve made and the direction we’re heading. Explore below our latest campaigns, policy submissions, and collaborations.
We are currently engaged in
Promoting global best-practice standards for long-term brain health
MS Brain Health is an international initiative calling for a radical transformation in the way multiple sclerosis (MS) is managed, based on the principle that time matters at every stage of the disease. Brain health is a critical focus for people living with MS. Protecting and preserving brain function can help slow disease progression, reduce disability, and improve quality of life.
Multiple Sclerosis NZ endorses international brain health guidelines and encouraging people with MS, their whānau, and health professionals to follow evidence-based recommendations. Principles of MS Brain Health are weaved throughout our advocacy work.
Fighting for a workforce which enables timely diagnosis and treatment of MS
Neurological conditions impact 1 in 3 New Zealanders in their lifetime, however between the public and private sectors New Zealand has just 80 Neurologists working 69 FTE, 10 of which specialise in MS. This is 1 Neurologist for 77000 New Zealanders, compared to Australia which has 1 for every 36000 people.
Multiple Sclerosis NZ is calling for more investment in critical neurological services to adequately service the growing needs of patients and demands on the health system.
Ensuring New Zealanders access the best available treatments
The world of MS treatments is continually advancing. Multiple Sclerosis NZ is regularly horizon scanning the latest advances in MS treatments and advocates for evidence-based disease modifying therapies (DMTs). Ensuring access to the full range of DMTs, enables clinicians and patients to adopt the most appropriate treatment strategy that optimises effectiveness and safety for each individual.
We are currently calling on Pharmac to fund four DMTs – Cladribine, Kesimpta and subcutaneous Ocrelizumab and Tysabri – which would reduce barriers for treatment access experiences by many people with MS across Aotearoa, whilst also reducing the demand on infusion clinics across the country.
We are also strongly advocating for widened funded access to Shingrix, the shingles vaccine, for all people 18+ with MS, particularly those on immunocompromising therapies.
Voicing our community needs in the reform of Pharmac
The current Health Technology Assessment process used by Pharmac to assess medicines for funding is not fit for purpose. Alongside other patient advocacy groups, Multiple Sclerosis NZ is actively engaged in calling for changes to ensure patient voices and needs are better integrated, processes expedited, decisions more transparent, and communication improved.
Breaking down barriers to funding and support for people with MS and their carers
Severally and alongside our alliance partners we have been calling for policy changes to ensure people impacted by MS, whether those diagnosed, or caring for someone with MS, are able to access the community and financial resources to live well and independently.
Highlighting the economic impact of MS to influence better funding decisions
We’re calling on Pharmac to make funding decisions not just on the cost of a drug or medical device, but on the wider fiscal impact of funding it, or not, on New Zealand society as a whole.
Our efforts included commissioning health economist Dr Richard Milne and colleagues in New Zealand, Tasmania and Singapore to undertake ‘The Cost Effectiveness of Ocrelizumab for Treatment of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in Aotearoa New Zealand from Healthcare and Societal Perspectives’ report to provide an economic case study.
We Care – Fighting to protect dedicated family carers
Together with the Carers Alliance we’re calling for a home in government for family carers, and for action to protect their mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. Add your voice to the campaign and help us make a difference in the lives of more than a million New Zealanders care for family members and whānau.
Advocacy
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