SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 29th May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
On Wednesday, the Tenerife Council held a ceremony in observance of ‘World Multiple Sclerosis Day’.
Present at the event were Vice President Lope Afonso, Minister of Social Action Águeda Fumero, other local authorities, as well as members of the Tenerife Multiple Sclerosis Association. Through the words of its president Ángeles González, they outlined ten demands, including the importance of early diagnosis to ensure prompt access to necessary pharmaceutical and rehabilitative treatments to halt the progression of the disease.
Águeda Fumero emphasised the Cabildo’s support, both institutionally for patients and their families, who often also serve as caregivers. She expressed the government’s commitment to promoting cross-sector policies that offer significant support to individuals living with multiple sclerosis, aiming to improve their quality of life and provide them with equal opportunities across all areas.
The Minister of Social Action stressed the importance of collaboration among the Cabildo, third-sector organisations, and various administrations to enhance the level of care provided. She pointed out the significance of comprehensive assistance delivered by multidisciplinary teams tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual affected by sclerosis.
ATEM (Tenerife Multiple Sclerosis Association) is part of the Insular Network of Social Policies, with Fumero mentioning that “its funding will be increased within the 2024 budget to further enhance the quality of services offered.”
The manifesto emphasised the necessity for heightened research support, improved access to comprehensive rehabilitation, equal access to pharmaceutical treatment, job adaptations, collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry in supporting research and associations, enhanced support for families, increased commitment to universal accessibility, greater societal solidarity, and the launch of awareness campaigns about this disease.
