World Osteoporosis Day(WOD) is annually observed across the globe on October 20th to create awareness about osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones weak and fragile. The day also highlights the importance of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis and other related musculoskeletal diseases.
The day is annually organised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation(IOF).
Aim:
To put bone health and fracture prevention on the global health agenda
The theme of the 2021 WOD campaign is “Take Actions for Bone Health”.
Background:
i.In 1996, The National Osteoporosis Society of the United Kingdom(UK) launched the “World Osteoporosis Day”. The observance of the day is also supported by the European Commission.
ii.The first ever World Osteoporosis Day was observed on 20th October 1996.
Since 1996, the day has been organised by the IOF.
2021 campaign:
The year-long 2021 WOD Campaign focuses on the need to take action for osteoporosis and fracture prevention.
About Osteoporosis:
i.The literal meaning of Osteoporosis is “Porous Bone” which is a condition where the quality, quantity and strength of your bones is reduced, making them more likely to break.
ii.Osteoporosis causes the bones to become more porous and fragile, greatly increasing the risk of painful and often disabling broken bones (known as fragility fractures).
Causes: Osteoporosis occurs in people with low calcium intake, Eating disorders, and Gastrointestinal surgery
Prevention: Intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and drinking.
Note:
Until 1994, Osteoporosis was not officially acknowledged and defined as a disease by the World Health Organisation(WHO).
Key Points:
i.One in 3 women and one in 5 men suffer a broken bone due to osteoporosis.
ii.The worldwide incidence of hip fracture in men is projected to increase by 310% and by 240% in women compared to 1990.
iii.Urbanization and ageing populations are driving rapid increases in the
osteoporosis disease burden.
iv.80% of people who have had at least one osteoporotic fracture are neither identified nor treated for osteoporosis.
v.Fracture risk is up to 27% higher than prostate cancer risk.
About International Osteoporosis Foundation(IOF):
President– Cyrus Cooper
CEO– Philippe Halbout
Headquarters– Nyon, Switzerland
Launched in 1998
