World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) is a global awareness campaign annually observed across the globe on 20 October to highlight the importance of Osteoporosis and to raise global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases.
- This day serves as a platform to encourage people to take action to maintain strong and healthy bones throughout their lives.
The theme of 2023 WOD Campaign is ‘Build Better Bones’.
- With this theme, IOF highlights the crucial role of a bone-healthy lifestyle in ensuring a fracture-free future and promoting mobility.
- The WOD campaign is a global initiative supported by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) member societies worldwide to drive action on behalf of bone health and fracture prevention.
Background:
i.World Osteoporosis Day was initially launched in 1996 by the National Osteoporosis Society of the United Kingdom (UK) and was supported by the European Commission.
ii.In 1998, the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (EFFO) and the International Federation of Societies on Skeletal Diseases (IFSSD) merged.
- This merger led to the formation of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).
iii.The first-ever WOD was observed on 20 October 1996.
- Since then, the IOF Foundation has played a pivotal role in advocating for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of osteoporosis.
Note:
- In 1998 and 1999, the World Health Organization (WHO) acted as co-sponsor of World Osteoporosis Day.
- Osteoporosis was not officially acknowledged and defined as a disease by the WHO until 1994.
About Osteoporosis:
i.Osteoporosis is a condition causing weakened and fragile bones. Due to decreased bone strength, the risk of fractures after minor incidents increases.
ii.Lack of evident symptoms often leads to undiagnosed cases until fractures occur.
iii.Although it affects both women and men, it is most common in older women as the protective effect of oestrogen declines with menopause.
iv.Fractures can significantly impact one’s quality of life, causing pain and loss of independence.
- Prioritizing preventive measures is vital in combating this condition and preserving bone health.
About International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF):
IOF is the world’s largest nongovernmental organization dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases.
President– Professor Cyrus Cooper (UK)
CEO– Philippe Halbout (Switzerland)
Headquarters– Nyon, Switzerland
Formed in– 1998
