Pharmacy Daily | Perfect storm for bone health coming

LEADING bone experts from the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, said there is a bone health crisis in the world's most populous and fastest ageing region.

The experts gathered in Singapore late last year for the Asia Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis (APCO) Scientific Summit.

APCO members, (pictured), representing 19 Asia Pacific countries and regions attended the summit which also included APCO Chair Professor Manju Chandran, International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) CEO Dr Philippe Halbout, and summit guest of honour, Singapore's Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung.

According to Prof Chandran, senior consultant endocrinologist and Director, Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism Unit, Singapore General Hospital, "a perfect storm of a rise in osteoporosis among Asia Pacific populations is expected to occur due to the region's rapidly ageing population, mounting urbanisation, and subsequent increase in sedentary lifestyles.

"Unless urgent steps are taken, we will be facing an epidemic of osteoporotic fractures that could have been avoided through appropriate preventive measures, early diagnosis, and treatment."

Dr Chandran noted APCO members are charged with developing tangible solutions to the challenges facing osteoporosis management in the world's most populous and linguistically and culturally diverse region.

APCO experts are confident change is possible if armed with support from local governments, policymakers, healthcare providers, philanthropic organisations, pharmaceutical companies, and other stakeholders from both the private and public healthcare sectors throughout the region.

Minister Ong Ye Kung reflected on the healthcare challenges and said he will prioritise preventive care for all Singapore residents, with key shifts including lifestyle modification, regular health screening, and enrolment with one primary care provider.