The World Health Organization is warning of an impending osteoporosis epidemic in the developing world. This warning was largely ignored and we are now seeing a dramatic increase in prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the developing countries. We must not allow the same thing to happen for osteoporosis. The UN agency estimates the number of hip fractures worldwide due to osteoporosis will rise threefold by the middle of the next century, from 1.7 million in 1990 to 6.3 million by 2050. Most hip fractures occur in Europe and North America, a WHO statement said.
Early detection is the key.
WHO has proposed an extensive education and communication program to increase knowledge of bone physiology and osteoporosis risk factors, prevention and management among health professionals, patients and the public.