The IOF Family

IOF mobilizes the global osteoporosis movement by promoting the expansion of osteoporosis societies around the world and by providing services to assist its members to maximize their effectiveness in carrying out their important work at the national level.

Since its foundation in 1998, IOF has seen the Committee of National Societies (CNS) membership almost triple in number. The majority of these societies are small, often volunteer-based organizations, and others are large, professionalized organizations. As members of a large global umbrella organization the national societies are able to learn from one another, exchange ideas and experiences, and profit from the professional support offered by IOF.

Above, a Targeted Support session in Vietnam in 2006

First IOF Regional Meeting for Central America and the Caribbean

Along with other forms of support listed in IOF's Outreach & Education program area, the IOF Family Program Area includes targeted support/twinning, media training sessions, and the IOF World Wide Conference of Osteoporosis Patient Societies, which is held every two years and offers skill building workshops for participants. Biannual business meetings are another venue which furthers interaction among members of the IOF family.