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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder characterized by swelling.  A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. Joints are found in the knees, hips, fingers and other areas of the body that bend to ease movement. There are many types of arthritis, one of which is called osteoarthritis.

Our Bone Health Advocates

Her Majesty Queen Rania

Although we have effective treatments for osteoporosis, each year millions of our grandmothers are crippled and disfigured because they don't have easy and sufficient access to diagnosis and medication. Osteoporosis has become a large global, social and medical movement. The women who have cared for us now need us to care enough to urge policy-makers to give them access to proven therapies before they break a bone. Today, I join with women across the world to call for an end to this unnecessary suffering.

Dr Rita Süssmith, former president of the German Bundestag, Patron of the National Initiative Against Osteoporosis (NIO) in Germany

The decision makers in the field of health politics are still not taking this widespread disease seriously enough despite its enormous impact on our society.

Alice Chiu, prominent philanthropist, founder and director, Sheen Hok Charitable Foundation, Hong Kong. Message on the occasion of the 2nd IOF Women Leaders Roundtable, 2006

Osteoporosis will remain as a major health challenge for Asians in the decades to come. We must work with the IOF to generate resources, lobby governments, and empower women in their fight against osteoporosis.