Multiple sclerosis in New Zealand.

New Zealand (NZ) is a high risk country for multiple sclerosis (MS) with an overall age and sex standardised prevalence of 73.1 per 100,000 population. The age and sex standardised prevalence within the Māori population is substantially lower at 24.2 per 100,000 population. A latitudinal gradient exists with MS prevalence increasing threefold from the North (37°S) to the South (48°S) of NZ. Over 1600 (56.8%) persons with MS experience moderate to severe disability. Despite the high prevalence of MS and the significant degree of disability experienced by people with MS, the availability and prescribing guidelines for MS disease modifying treatments are more restrictive in NZ than in other developed nations.