Multiple sclerosis (MS) continues to be seen—and spoken about—as a disease that affects only white people, particularly by many in Europe. In America, it’s often labelled as a “white women’s disease”, and outside of English-speaking communities, there isn’t even a widely recognised term for it. This limited perspective makes living with MS in the UK especially isolating for people of colour. Every time MS is discussed publicly, it’s almost always a white person sharing their experience. It may seem like a minor issue to some, but in reality, there are countless Black people suffering from MS without answers as to why this disease often affects them so aggressively. The rate of disability among Black people with MS is much higher compared to their white counterparts, yet the reasons remain largely unexplored. There is a distinct lack of urgency when it comes to understanding MS in Black communities. As a result, people continue to suffer in silence while the narrative remains unchanged. We keep hearing that “MS affects everyone,” but in practice, the stories that are shared in the media rarely reflect this diversity. The only times you might see a Black person talking about MS are when they are athletes or celebrities—and even then, discussions rarely address health disparities or the unique challenges faced by Black and minority ethnic communities. The power and influence of television and media are constantly underestimated. When only one type of story is told—when only white faces are associated with MS in news reports, documentaries, and awareness campaigns—it shapes public perception and even impacts research priorities. It reinforces the misconception that MS is only a “white person’s disease,” which means that the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black people are consistently overlooked. I have been turned down by the media countless times when I have tried to speak on this topic. When they research MS, all they see are white faces, and so my voice is overlooked. But I refuse to be silenced or discouraged. My lived experience matters, and I am determined to challenge the current narrative around MS.

We have a Doctor in the house!!! A very big congratulations to Dr Malone Mukwende! 7 years is not a small thing! All your hardworking has led you here. Very very happy for you 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Hey everyone 👋 I'm Oluwaseyi, a web designer passionate about creating clean, accessible websites that help organizations and professionals make a bigger impact — especially in spaces like health equity where clarity and trust really matter. I joined this community because I believe the work you're doing here is incredibly important, and I’d love to contribute in any way I can. Whether you're running a health-based initiative, working on a personal brand, or building something to bridge the gaps in care — I’m here to help you bring it to life online. If anyone needs: - A new site to showcase your mission - A redesign to better reach the people who need you - Or even just simple advice on digital presence… Feel free to reach out or drop your thoughts below 💬Let’s connect and create change together!

Do you think AI will have a positive effect on people being taken seriously by medical professionals? A lot of the work I’ve done over the years has led to people saying that they feel like their health professionals don’t take them seriously, would more AI in healthcare reduce these things?

What's one patient interaction that made you realize the importance of culturally responsive care?