There is no registry of multiple sclerosis patients in the TRNC: estimates put the number at 700–1,000

There are no official statistics on the number of people living with multiple sclerosis in Northern Cyprus: available data put the figure at 700–1,000. Approximately 50 new patients are diagnosed each year.

This was reported by Özay Tanözü, secretary general of the Multiple Sclerosis Patients’ Society. He stressed that no regular statistical study is conducted on the total number of patients or the course of the disease in the country, so neither doctors nor specialist organisations have exact figures.

Tanözü identified access to medicines as one of the main problems facing patients. According to him, treatment is available in the neurology department, but shortages of medicines occur constantly, while the procedure for obtaining them is lengthy and cumbersome. This concerns not only basic therapy, which helps slow the progression of the disease, but also supportive medicines.

Geography presents an additional challenge. Patients from İskele, the Karpaz and Güzelyurt have to travel to other districts for treatment, creating an additional financial and physical burden.

Tanözü warned that disruptions directly affect the course of the disease: medicines not received on time trigger flare-ups and push patients towards disability.