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)
The Regional Programme has the following goals:
- To support national osteoporosis societies in order to maximize their effectiveness in raising awareness of the need for effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis
- To strengthen communication between CNS, the regions and the global organization
- Provide the regions with guidance on building a governance and management structure
- To create effective synergy between the IOF global office and the regions to enable economies of scale and sharing of resources
- Help the regions acquire the financial, technical and human resources they need
- To provide each region with equal and effective representation on the IOF Board of Directors
- To facilitate the development of world class programmes within each Region
History
The regionalization of IOF was approved by the Board of Directors in June, 2006 which resulted in the opening of the IOF Office in Buenos Aires in December, 2006. A regional representative was also appointed for Asia and the Middle East. In 2008 the Board Regionalization Committee was appointed by the IOF Executive Committee and was comprised of representatives from each of the five IOF Regions. The Board Regionalization Committee was formed to assess the progress made by the regions since their creation and to strengthen the regional structure that was already in place. The Board Regionalization Committee proposed to the IOF Board of Directors that each region should have a Chairman and a strong Regional Council with representation from all of the CNS members in the region. In addition, each Region should have equal representation on the IOF Board of Directors. This plan was approved by the IOF Board of Directors in 2009 in Athens.
Advantages of the Programme
The Regional Programme ensures efficient communication between CNS members and the regions, enabling them to play a more active role in IOF. CNS members are able to identify specific regional projects or programmes which they would like their Regional Councils to put forward. In turn, the Regional Programme makes it possible for the regions to help member associations develop their skills, improve their public relations work and increase their contacts with the international osteoporosis community. CNS members must play an active role in identifying their needs, asking for assistance from their regions and developing their potential to solve their own problems. Most importantly, the Regional Programme helps CNS members to serve people with osteoporosis more effectively.
Regional Operations
As unpaid volunteers, the Regional Chairmen and Councils need to be able to make the most effective use of their time. Where appropriate, IOF will establish a regional office with a staff that reports directly to the IOF Chief Executive Officer and is guided by the Regional Chair and Council. Initial funding for the office will come from the IOF global office. The Regional Chairmen will thereby be freed from time-consuming practical tasks and will be able to focus on serving the needs of member associations within their region. With a Regional Office and a working administrative structure, the Regional Chairmen will be able to seek extra funds from other sources for all regional activities.
Significant Dates for Implementation of the Regional Programme
- December, 2006 Opening of Latin American Office
- December, 2006 Appointment of Asian and Middle East Representative
- April, 2008 Establishment of Committee on regionalization
- March, 2009 Adoption of resolution for equal board representation from each Region
- October, 2009 Consultation with Latin American Societies
- October, 2009 Appointment of IOF coordinator for Latin American Region
- October, 2009 Consultation with Asia Pacific Societies
- November, 2009 Consultation with Middle East and African Societies
- December, 2009 Commence Planning for 1st Regional IOF meeting in Asia
- December, 2010 IOF Regional Meeting – 1st Asia Pacific Osteoporosis Meeting (scheduled)
- March, 2012 IOF Regional Meeting – 1st Latin American Osteoporosis Meeting (scheduled)
