We need this new EU Osteoporosis Audit to evaluate current standards of osteoporosis management in Europe, said Professor Juliet Compston, chair of the EU Osteoporosis Consultation Panel. Professor Compston, who is an IOF Board member, added While some states have made remarkable progress in osteoporosis prevention and treatment policy, overall we are concerned that not enough progress has been made, and this comprehensive snapshot will enable members to assess developments over the years, and identify areas that require more attention.

The audit will measure prevalence of fractures, accessibility of diagnostic testing, availability and access to evidence based therapies, economic costs, and national health ministry support as well as public and professional education.

Mary Honeyball, MEP UK, and co-chair of the Osteoporosis Interest Group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), welcomed the Panels efforts to prepare an EU Audit that will help policy makers better understand the impact of osteoporosis at the EU level.

The audit is expected to take several months to complete, with the data being officially launched on the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day 2008. The theme for IOFs World Osteoporosis Outreach Campaign 2008-2009 is Stand Tall, Speak Out for Your Bones which will focus on policy change. This 2nd European Union Osteoporosis Audit will be a significant contribution to advance osteoporosis policy not only in Europe but internationally as a model of regional cooperation.

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Contact: Janice blondeau
jblondeau@osteofound.org
41-229-940-100
International Osteoporosis Foundation
16-Apr-2007