Osteoporosis is widespread global problem, as one in three women and one in five men aged 50 years and over suffer osteoporosis. It has attracted much attention in the last two decades all over the world. Being a silent disease, it goes undetected many a times. Due to its prevalence worldwide, osteoporosis is considered a serious public health concern. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects an estimated 75 million people in Europe, USA and Japan, and causes, more than 8.9 million fractures annually worldwide, resulting in an osteoporotic fracture every 3 seconds.
The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in Saudi Arabia (KSA) is 37.8% and 28.2% in men and women above the age of 50 years. Vitamin D deficiency remains the major risk factor of the disease in this country.
Leveraging multiple sources of information and global experts, a work team of the Ministry of Health (MOH) has developed the National Plan for Osteoporosis Prevention and Management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2018. This Plan includes a brief summary of recommendations to better manage and prevent osteoporosis in KSA.