The Organization

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), registered as a not-for-profit, non-governmental foundation in Switzerland, functions as a global alliance of patient, medical and research societies, scientists, health care professionals, and international companies concerned about bone health.

IOF headquarters are located in Nyon, Switzerland

IOF headquarters are in Nyon, Switzerland, with regional representations established in Argentina, Singapore, and Jordan. The Foundation was established in 1998, when the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (EFFO), founded in 1987, joined with the International Federation of Societies on Skeletal Diseases (IFSSD, established 1995) . IOF has been granted Roster Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Structure

IOF is comprised of three committees:

• Committee of 195 National Societies in 93 locations (countries, territories or regions)
• Committee of Scientific Advisors comprising 96 members
• Committee of Corporate Advisors representing 33 companies

The Board of Governance includes 21 elected members from six regions of the world as well as ex-officio members.

The Board and the three membership committees meet twice a year at IOF business meetings. An Executive Committee meets on a regular basis and delegates day-to-day responsibility to the CEO who manages the Staff.

The IOF organizes its programs, projects and activities within five areas:  IOF Programs in science, the IOF family, policy, outreach and education and administration and finance.

IOF Individual Memberships

IOF offers several categories of membership in order to meet the needs of our various members:

• Committee of National Societies Membership
• Committee of Scientific Advisors Membership
• Committee of Corporate Advisors Membership
• IOF Congress Membership

Click here to find out more about the benefits of Individual Membership.

IOF Regional Programme

The IOF Regional Programme is a long-term plan for the development of the five IOF Regions. It aims to develop a strong regional structure based on collaboration among the member associations and to help the regions acquire the resources they need to improve their ability to help IOF CNS members. The Programme is vital to the dynamic growth of IOF and its progress will lead to the strengthening of osteoporosis associations worldwide.

The five IOF Regions are as follows:

• Asia Pacific (AsPac)
• Middle East and Africa (MEAf)
• North America (NA)
• Latin America (LA)
• Europe (Eu)

Click here for more on the IOF Regionals programme.