World Osteoporosis Day Observed on 20 October 2026 with the Campaign 'Build, Protect, Strengthen Your Bones for Life'
World Osteoporosis Day was observed on 20 October 2026 under the campaign 'Build, Protect, Strengthen Your Bones for Life', led by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF). The day was first marked on 20 October 1996 by the UK's National Osteoporosis Society with the European Commission; the IOF has organised it since 1997, and the WHO co-sponsored it in 1998 and 1999. About one in three women and one in five men aged over 50 suffer an osteoporotic fracture, yet only around 20% are diagnosed or treated. The observance closes Bone and Joint Action Week, held from 12 to 20 October.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation is headquartered at Nyon, Switzerland | Bone and Joint Action Week runs from 12 to 20 October and includes World Arthritis Day (12 October), World Spine Day (16 October) and World Trauma Day (17 October) | Osteoporosis is assessed by bone mineral density measured through a DEXA scan and reported as a T-score