Osteoporosis is a systemic disease causing bones to become porous and more susceptible to fractures of especially the spine, hip and wrist. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will get this disease (potentially 4-6million South Africans).

Osteoporosis is called the Silent Epidemic because there are usually no symptoms until you fracture a bone.

Once considered a normal part of ageing, we now know that osteoporosis can also affect young individuals. It is a serious disease and the cause of much pain and suffering. Up to 20% of people die after a hip fracture and more than 50% of the rest will never live independently again. This disease can be prevented and if you already suffer from osteoporosis, it can be treated with a variety of available medications - unfortunately only a small percentage of patients have access to the effective diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa was established in 1993 with the main aims of educating the public as well as health professionals about osteoporosis, its prevention, diagnosis and treatment. We also lobby with Government and the Medical Aids on a continuous basis to try and get this disease recognised as a serious disease. In a country where HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malnutrition are rife, osteoporosis is not considered a priority, despite the devastating consequences it may have on the economy and quality of life of sufferers.