MS organisations across Latin America gather in Mexico for third annual meeting

Representatives from more than 20 organisations representing 16 countries across Latin America came together in Veracruz, Mexico this September for their third annual meeting (Encuentro).

The meeting, organised by Unidos Combatiendo la Esclerosis Multiple (UCEM) with MSIF’s support, offered delegates a unique opportunity to share experiences, work towards joint solutions to shared challenges, and participate in hands-on training workshops. Delegates also enjoyed a gala dinner to mark the occasion.

During a variety of seminars and workshops, participants carried out intensive group work to explore the challenges facing people affected by MS in three specific areas: social inclusion, legislation, and good practices between MS organisations and other stakeholders.

Action statements

Participants then agreed upon a number of action statements for each area to form the “Declaración de Boca del Rio Veracruz”, a crucial new document outlining strategic lines of work for the whole region.

A committee of 12 organisations are now responsible for leading on this work: ALCEM & EMA (Argentina); ALEM (Colombia); AHSEP (Haiti); Multiple Sclerosis Love Foundation (Honduras); EMMEX and FEMMEX (Mexico); ANPEMUFA (Panama); APEMED (Paraguay); EMUR (Uruguay); Antahkarana Foundation (Venezuela) and Renacer Foundation (Dominican Republic). There will be a clear update on work achieved in these areas by the 10th Latin American MS Congress – LACTRIMS 2018.

The annual regional meeting emerged from an initiative of the Association for the Fight Against Multiple Sclerosis (ALCEM). This year’s event built upon progress made in two previous meetings, both held in Bueno Aires.