International Osteoporosis Foundation

International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to the fight against osteoporosis, a disease where decreased bone strength increases the risk of a broken bone. It is the largest global organization of its kind, committed to helping people around the world prevent, diagnose, and treat osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases.

Overview

The IOF was established in 1998, with the aim of promoting bone health and preventing fractures caused by osteoporosis. The foundation operates worldwide, with its headquarters located in Nyon, Switzerland. It serves as a platform for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policy makers, facilitating collaboration and sharing of knowledge on osteoporosis and bone health.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the International Osteoporosis Foundation is to promote the maintenance of bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis. Its goals include:

• Increasing awareness and understanding of osteoporosis among the public and healthcare professionals.
• Encouraging the adoption of healthy lifestyle choices to maintain bone health.
• Supporting research into osteoporosis and bone health.
• Advocating for policies that improve patient care and prevent fractures.

Activities

The IOF engages in a variety of activities to achieve its mission, including:

• Organizing global campaigns such as World Osteoporosis Day, which takes place annually on October 20th, to raise awareness of osteoporosis and its prevention.
• Publishing scientific research and guidelines on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis.
• Offering educational resources and training for healthcare professionals to improve patient care.
• Advocating for policy changes at the international, national, and local levels to improve osteoporosis care and prevention.

Membership

The IOF's membership includes national osteoporosis societies, patient groups, medical and research institutions, and corporate partners from around the world. This diverse membership base allows for a wide-reaching impact in the fight against osteoporosis.

Impact

Through its activities, the International Osteoporosis Foundation has made significant contributions to the global understanding and management of osteoporosis. It has helped to increase public awareness of the importance of bone health, supported research that advances the field, and advocated for policies that improve the lives of those affected by osteoporosis.

See Also

• Osteoporosis
• Bone density
• Fracture
• World Osteoporosis Day