Nigeria Launches National Osteoporosis Network in Ibadan

A national osteoporosis network was inaugurated in Ibadan, Nigeria, by health specialists, including Professor Temitope and Dr. Joko Adeley, to confront the increasing risk of osteoporosis, which is often termed a "silent thief" due to its lack of obvious symptoms until fractures occur.

The network aims to bring together various healthcare professionals, including orthopaedic surgeons, endocrinologists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, geriatricians, gynaecologists, family physicians, and laboratory scientists, to enhance the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals living with osteoporosis. The initiative will also focus on educating the public about bone health, particularly targeting children and young adults to build strong bones during critical developmental years.

The network plans to deploy fracture risk assessment tools and engage communities to identify individuals at high risk of developing osteoporotic fractures. Dr.

Adeley emphasized the importance of diagnosing vitamin D deficiency, which exacerbates osteoporosis, and recommended targeted screening for vulnerable individuals.