Platform Founded by Novartis Inspires Patients

Yol ArkadaşıMSın Platform Established by Novartis and Turkey MS Association Inspires MS Patients

The Yol ArkadaşıMSın platform, established through collaboration between Novartis and Turkey MS Association, has added value to the lives of MS patients for approximately 10 years. The Yol ArkadaşıMSın platform, established through collaboration between Novartis and Turkey MS Association, was created to draw attention to the challenging journey of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients and raise public awareness. On the occasion of World MS Day, physicians gathered under the sponsorship of Turkey MS Association and Novartis. The meeting discussed innovative treatment methods related to MS disease, common misconceptions, and projects conducted over 10 years under the Yol ArkadaşıMSın platform that contribute to raising public awareness about MS.

Gathered on World MS Day

Prof. Dr. Aksel Siva, Honorary President of Turkey MS Association, stated that MS disease affects approximately 3 million people worldwide and 70,000 people in Turkey, and according to estimates, one in every 10 families in our country has someone with MS. Prof. Dr. Aksel Siva shared valuable information about MS and its symptoms. Prof. Dr. Aksel Siva stated: "Multiple Sclerosis, briefly known as MS, is a central nervous system disease that develops as a result of immune system dysfunction. While the central nervous system consists of the brain, cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord, the term 'multiple' refers to tissue damage from this disease appearing in multiple locations of the brain and spinal cord; the term 'sclerosis,' meaning hardening, refers to the formation of scar tissue in the damaged areas. As a result of damage to structures in the central nervous system in MS, the brain and spinal cord's ability to control body functions such as vision, speech and movement can be negatively affected. The disease can also manifest with symptoms such as vision problems, weakness or loss of balance, and speech disorders. Since these symptoms can be seen in different conditions, having these symptoms does not necessarily mean MS. In the population, MS most frequently appears between the ages of 20-40 and is twice as common in women. In most people it progresses in attacks, while in a small number of patients it can follow a progressive course. Since MS presents different characteristics from person to person, attacks, symptoms and the course of the disease may appear different. Being informed about MS, timely diagnosis and treatment, along with regular follow-up, enables MS patients to live long and quality lives," he said.

Significant Progress Made in Awareness Over 10 Years Through Multiple Projects

Prof. Dr. Aksel Siva emphasized that the Yol ArkadaşıMSın platform, established with the contributions of Turkey MS Association and Novartis to raise public awareness about MS and inspire patients, undertakes a very important mission, and noted that significant progress in awareness has been made through numerous projects over 10 years. The longest-running of these projects and one with great importance in providing correct information to patients and their families is the digital platform called YolarkadasiMSin.com, which began serving in 2013 as Turkey's first MS-specific platform with the contributions of Novartis by Turkey MS Association. The platform, consisting of shares from MS patients and informative videos from experts, brings together MS patients, those close to MS patients, and MS specialists with more than 350 videos.

"We Receive Very Positive Feedback Through the Yol ArkadaşıMSın Platform"

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Melih Tütüncü, President of Turkey MS Association, spoke about treatment protocols in MS and innovative treatment methods. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Melih Tütüncü said "MS is a disease that can be controlled with appropriate treatment. Today, with innovative medicines and innovative treatment methods, the quality of life of patients improves significantly." Tütüncü mentioned that in 2020, with the collaboration of Turkey MS Association and Novartis, with the contributions of Yekta Kopan, they launched BeniMSesim, Turkey's first podcast series on MS, and continued: "Due to the intense interest in the project, 15 additional episodes were recorded for BeniMSesim in 2021 and these episodes were reshared on the project's anniversary. In the last two episodes of the second series, we gave the microphone to MS patients and their families, adding a different dimension to the project to inspire everyone fighting with MS. From day one, we have received very positive feedback from both physicians and through the Yol ArkadaşıMSın platform. This makes us very happy," he said.

BeniMSesim Podcast Series Became the Voice of MS Patients Across Turkey

Yekta Kopan, who moderated the BeniMSesim podcast series, expressed her happiness at being part of such a valuable project and said: "The beniMSesim podcast series, a digital awareness project prepared to support MS patients and their families, became the voice of MS patients across Turkey. I am deeply happy to be part of this project, which contributes to raising public awareness about MS and encourages and inspires MS patients and their families." she said. The BeniMSesim podcast consists of 43 episodes featuring a total of 83 MS specialists, experts from 10 different fields, 2 MS patients and their families, and meets listeners on Spotify and Carnival channels.