World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on 20 October, and launches a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of bone health, and of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.[1] Organized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF),
the World Osteoporosis Day campaign is accompanied by community events and local campaigns by national osteoporosis patient societies from around the world with activities in over 90 countries.[2][3]
History
World Osteoporosis Day was launched on October 20, 1996, by the United Kingdom's National Osteoporosis Society and supported by the European Commission. Since 1997, this awareness day has been organised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation.[4] In 1998 and 1999, the World Health Organization acted as co-sponsor of World Osteoporosis Day. The day marks the launch of a year-long campaign to raise awareness of osteoporosis and fragility fracture prevention. Since 1999 these campaigns have often featured a specific theme or tagline.
