<PAGE>
MFS(R) WORLD GOVERNMENTS FUND
Supplement to the Current Prospectus
On January 2, 1998, Stephen C. Bryant was named the interim portfolio manager of
the Fund. Effective January 12, 1998, James T. Swanson replaced Mr. Bryant as
the Fund's portfolio manager. Therefore, the description of portfolio manager
under the "Management of the Fund Investment Adviser" section is hereby revised
as follows: James T. Swanson is the portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Swanson,
a Senior Vice President of the Adviser, has been employed as a portfolio manager
with the Adviser since 1985 and has been the Fund's portfolio manager since
January 12, 1998.
The date of this Supplement is January 12, 1998.