Each year the people who lead the international fight against osteoporosis meet to plan strategies and learn from each other. By bringing together non-governmental groups from around the world, physicians, scientists, and public policy officials, the IOF WWC of Osteoporosis Patient Societies has helped to catalyse the tremendous growth of the osteoporosis movement. It was only in 1994 that the WHO recognised osteoporosis as a disease and not an inevitable consequence of ageing. Today, global awareness of the disease has increased dramatically, bone densitometry techniques have improved, diagnosis is more readily available, and there are a growing number of effective treatment options.
Participation is also open to other organisations which have an interest in fighting osteoporosis.
Participation is not limited to IOF members. Provide skill-building workshops to raise national societies' effectiveness Allow delegates to share ideas and experiences Plan for World Osteoporosis Day, October 20. Each day will feature six concurrent workshops and a general meeting. A detailed list of workshops will be posted here in January 2002.