MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast25 Jun 2025

#119: Voices of Leadership. CEO of MS South Africa on Patient Support and the Future of MS Care

👉 Read the full blog article here:
https://ms-perspektive.com/119-mssa

In this powerful episode, I speak with Non Helena M. Smit, CEO of MS South Africa, about the unique challenges and inspiring progress in the fight against multiple sclerosis in South Africa. From personal loss to national advocacy, Non Helena shares her journey and the work her team is doing to improve care, increase awareness, and empower people living with MS.

This conversation is part of my international series, showcasing how MS impacts lives across the globe — because while the disease may be the same, the experiences are not. Let's learn, support, and stand together.

🔍 In This Episode You'll Learn About:

The structure of MS care in South Africa (private, public, allied)
Major challenges: delayed diagnosis, lack of access, stigma, and employment insecurity
MS South Africa's successes: MSIF membership, nationwide peer support, GP training, workplace advocacy
Ongoing projects: public access to DMTs, MS registry, EBV prevention, Africa-wide early diagnosis
Clinical trial diversity and why representation matters
Mental health support, SADAG partnership, and emotional resilience
The crucial role of families, caregivers, and informed self-advocacy
The legal protections available to people with MS in South Africa
Why early diagnosis and prevention should be top priorities in the next 5 years

🔗 Important Links

📝 Full Blog Article & Interview Transcript
https://ms-perspektive.com/119-voices-of-leadership-ms-south-africa

🌍 MS South Africa Website
https://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za

📱 MS South Africa on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/multiplesclerosis

💼 MS South Africa on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/multiplesclerosis-sa

📘 MS South Africa on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/multiplesclerosisSA

▶️ MS South Africa on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@multiplesclerosisSA

📲 WhatsApp Support Line
Available via the contact page on their website: https://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za

💬 South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
https://www.sadag.org

👟 The May 50K Campaign (Global MS Research Fundraiser)
https://www.themay50k.com

🌐 Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF)
https://www.msif.org

💡 Let's Stay Connected!

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who needs to hear more about MS advocacy and support around the world. Together, we can raise awareness, build community, and push for better care — everywhere.

🎤 Host: Nele von Horsten
🌍 Podcast: MS-Perspektive International – The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast
📬 Contact: https://ms-perspektive.com/kontakt

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