Oct. 20, 1996, the United Kingdom’s National Osteoporosis Society supported by the European Commission, announced the creation of World Osteoporosis Day, a day sponsored and promoted by the International Osteoporosis Foundation since 1997. In 1998 and 1999, the World Health Organization acted as co-sponsor of World Osteoporosis Day.

Osteoporosis remains a vastly underdiagnosed and undertreated disease, despite the enormous toll it takes on the world’s older populations and healthcare systems worldwide. Even after patients suffer a broken bone due to osteoporosis, it is estimated that around 80% are not diagnosed and treated to prevent recurring fractures.