Angelo La Via becomes head of Sicily's multiple sclerosis association

Angelo La Via, a native of Messina, was elected president of the regional branch of the Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla (AISM) in Sicily. La Via, who has just completed a term as a national councilor, returns to lead the organisation that has been supporting people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the region for nearly six decades.

AISM Sicily represents roughly 11,000 patients, part of the estimated 150,000 Italians living with MS, a disease that affects twice as many women as men and sees about 3,600 new diagnoses each year. In his inaugural remarks La Via highlighted existing delays and gaps in care, pledging to reach all patients, improve quality of life, and, when possible, complement public services while urging institutions to grant denied rights.

He announced plans to engage with the regional health department, seek a meeting with assessor Caruso, and address territorial disparities by updating the diagnostic‑therapeutic pathway (PDTA), tackling MRI backlogs, and conducting a census of accredited facilities. A new monitoring system for MS care in Sicily is also under development.

AISM Sicily operates through nine provincial sections, seven operational groups, over 250 municipal contacts, 320 volunteers, five employees, nine staff collaborators and civil‑service participants. Through the Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla (FISM), the group has funded research since 1998, ranking as the world's third‑largest private MS funder and Italy's leading one. Upcoming initiatives include supporting clinical centres, enhancing the MS registry, and defining a digital therapeutic plan.