The Osteoporosis Society of the Philippines Foundation Inc (OSPFI) was awarded the first IOF-Anlene Nutrition Awareness for Bone Health Campaign Grant at a presentation ceremony that took place at the IOF World Wide Conference of Osteoporosis Patient Societies in Valencia, Spain on March 20, 2011.
The grant, valued at 10,000 USD and awarded by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and Fonterra Brands, supports educational programmes and campaigns by osteoporosis patient societies in Asia that seek to raise awareness of how lifestyle factors, including healthy nutrition, can contribute to the maintenance of strong bones. IOF COO Judy Stenmark remarked, "In Asia, prevention will be the key to reducing the expected rise in osteoporotic fractures in the coming decades. It is therefore important to communicate the message that at every stage in life, the cornerstone of osteoporosis prevention is a healthy and calcium-rich diet, sufficient vitamin D, and regular weight-bearing exercise."
"As part of our ongoing commitment to increasing bone health across Asia we worked with the IOF to create the IOF-Anlene Nutrition Awareness Campaign Grant. This is the first time we have awarded this grant and the response has been impressive. There is a real desire among societies for support in extending the reach and effectiveness of their programmes. Through this grant, local osteoporosis societies such as OSPFI, will have the ability to raise the awareness of osteoporosis and make a real difference to communities," said Joanne Todd, Senior Health Platform Manager, Fonterra Brands Asia and Middle East.
OSPFI will establish a relevant practice-based innovative programme that promotes awareness of lifestyle risks associated with osteoporosis and the role of nutrition in osteoporosis prevention; establishes a network of qualified Community Health Workers in identified local government units enabling them to participate in key IOF and OSPFI hosted and recognized activities; maintains a high standard of practice by qualified Community Health Workers in the primary care setting through monitoring and evaluation.
About Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, in which the bones become porous and break easily, is one of the world's most common and debilitating diseases. The result: pain, loss of movement, inability to perform daily chores, and in some cases, death. Worldwide, one out of two women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will one out of five men Osteoporosis can, to a certain extent, be prevented, if it can be easily diagnosed and effective treatments are available. Nevertheless, osteoporosis often remains under-diagnosed and under-treated, leaving people at unnecessary risk of fracture.
About the IOF
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is a not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization dedicated to the worldwide fight against osteoporosis, the disease known as "the silent epidemic". IOF's members - scientific researchers, patient, medical and research societies and industry representatives from around the world - share a common vision of a world without osteoporotic fractures. IOF, with headquarters in Switzerland, currently includes 196 member societies in 92 countries, regions and territories. Among its numerous programmes and activities, IOF mobilises the global osteoporosis movement on World Osteoporosis Day every year and organises the IOF World Wide Conference of Osteoporosis Patient Societies every two years. For more information about IOF visit http://www.iofbonehealth.org