Ministry of Health campaign against osteoporosis boosted by free bone scanning programme

The Anlene Bone Health Check, a simple three-minute procedure that provides an indicative assessment of an individual's risk of poor bone health, has already scanned more than 1000 people in Dubai.

The program, part of a global campaign operated by Fonterra's Anlene and leading bone scanning and diagnostics technology provider GE Healthcare, aims to raise awareness about bone health and assist people to understand the diet and lifestyle factors that may put them at risk of osteoporosis.

Internationally, the Anlene Bone Health Check has scanned more than 1.2 million across nine countries in Asia. In the UAE, the initiative is being supported by the Ministry of Health and the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre.

"The Ministry commends Fonterra for its Anlene Bone Health Check, serving as an important step towards educating many UAE nationals and residents about the importance of bone health, and ultimately the prevention of osteoporosis," said Dr. Mariam Matar, Undersecretary for Public Health and Primary Healthcare at the Ministry of Health.

Concerns about the growing impact of osteoporosis prompted the Ministry of Health to make bone health a priority issue in the UAE, Dr Matar said.

The Middle East has one of the poorest bone health records worldwide, with 30% of all adults over 50 years suffering from osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become weak, porous and susceptible to fracture.

Dr. Matar added: "At the Ministry of Health, we have been actively campaigning among both the local and expatriate population to raise awareness of the preventive measures people can take against osteoporosis.

"Ensuring a healthy diet rich in essential bone nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, protein, magnesium, zinc and vitamin K and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are the most important preventive measures against poor bone health."

Dr Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist at the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre, said: "The Anlene Bone Health Check complements our own efforts to raise awareness about osteoporosis in this region. There are often no warning signs of this preventable disease, which is why it is essential to scan and educate the public."

The Ministry of Health recently participated at the global World Osteoporosis Day event in Dubai, where plans were unveiled for new research into the extent and impact of osteoporosis in the region.

The research will provide the first robust summary of physical, social and economic impact of osteoporosis that will allow a detailed understanding of the situation in the region and form an essential part of health policy decisions surrounding future programs directed at osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

"Through the State of the Nation Bone Health Report we hope to create a critical mass of informed people, as well as medical experts, who will champion our cause against osteoporosis," explained Fonterra Brands Middle East General Manager, Amr Farghal.

The report which will be completed through the collaboration of the International Osteoporosis Foundation and local experts is being funded through an unrestricted educational grant from Fonterra and will be published next year in conjunction with World Osteoporosis Day 2008.

The Anlene Bone Health Check will be available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, as well as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam in Saudi Arabia.