Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla

AISM is the only organization in Italy dedicated to all aspects of multiple sclerosis. It takes an overall approach to its work that encompasses the rights of people with MS, social services and healthcare and the promotion, guidance and funding of scientific research. It has been operating since 1968. It is a not-for-profit social promotion association with local branches and volunteering activities across Italy. For the last 50 years, it has been the most authoritative and closest point of reference for all MS sufferers, their families, health care staff and social workers, operating across the country thanks to a network structure with 98 provincial sections, regional coordination offices, more than 60 operating groups and over 13,000 volunteers. Since 1998, AISM has been working with FISM,the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, which promotes and supports innovative basic and applied research aimed at improving quality of life and treatments and, in the long term, identifying a definite cure for multiple sclerosis. FISM is the third biggest private funding organization for research into MS in the world, second only to the US and Canadian associations, and on an equal footing with the British one.