Spotlight on osteoporosis action plan

The National Strategic Action Plan is created by Osteoporosis Australia (OA), and the Australian Government.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt is in partnership with the plan, that is launched during the lead up to Osteoporosis Day on Sunday.

Government is allocating $4 million to support implementation of this plan, which will address three key priorities.

The priorities include:

• increase of osteoporosis awareness and education with a focus on prevention;
• improvement of osteoporosis diagnosis, management and care;
• data collection, monitoring and strategic research.

The plan will provide critical support to the 4.7 million Australians aged over 50 who currently live with poor bone health. Additionally, will provide a preventative approach to reduce future bone fractures.

In 2019, the cost of osteoporosis will reach over $2.1 billion:

•  70 per cent will be directly related to fracture costs.
• Australians will sustain up to 165,000 broken bones (fractures) due to poor bone health.
• 4.7 million Australians over 50 will continue to be impacted by the disease.

Minister Hunt says the launch of the plan is a significant step in improving the quality of life for Australians living with poor bone health.

Furthermore, it will reduce the substantial financial burden on the Australian healthcare system.

Currently 66 per cent of Australians aged over 50 are estimated to have poor bone health. Hip fractures remain the costliest type of fracture related to osteoporosis Other types of fractures remain widespread – wrist, spinal, arm and leg fractures.

Although osteoporosis mainly affects women, men also need to check their bone health, with 25 per cent of cases occurring in men.

For further information visit: https://www.osteoporosis.org.au/