Policy initiatives in the EU

In the European Union, someone has a fracture as a result of osteoporosis every 30 seconds, and with an ageing population, the yearly incidence of hip fracture alone in the EU is expected to more than double over the next 50 years. Osteoporotic fractures are responsible for a higher disease 'burden', in terms of disability and excess mortality, than common cancers with the exception of lung cancer. Unless osteoporosis prevention and treatment become a priority for governments and healthcare providers, this growing number of osteoporotic fractures will have serious impact on society, not just in terms of people's quality of life, but also in regard to increased expenditure for healthcare, rehabilitation and nursing care.

IOF, which has its roots in the former European Foundation for Osteoporosis (EFFO), has helped to catalyze policy initiatives in the EU even prior to its foundation in 1998. Its most important objective has been to further implement the Eight Recommendations published by the European Commission in 1998, to make the prevention of osteoporosis and related fractures a governmental health care priority in all European Union Member States. Since 1998, IOF has assisted in the development and launch of the European Union Osteoporosis Consultation Panel and the European Parliament Osteoporosis Interest Group. IOF supports the annual meetings of both the Panel and Interest Group and has published multiple publications on their behalf. These are a pivotal component of the "Call to Action" which aims to galvanise government action against osteoporosis.