Zubaida calls for strengthening awareness to combat osteoporosis

Dr Zubaida Rahman, vice-chairman of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, has called for stronger nationwide awareness campaigns to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, warning that bone loss can be a serious concern for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Speaking at an event marking World Osteoporosis Day at the Super Specialised Hospital on Tuesday (October 20), she proposed designating a month each year for raising public awareness about the disease.

Dr Zubaida stressed that coordinated initiatives, early detection and greater public awareness could help reduce complications associated with osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.

She also highlighted the need to address bone health among cancer patients, noting that chemotherapy can contribute to bone loss.

Medical experts at the event said vitamin D and calcium deficiencies are among the factors associated with osteoporosis. They emphasised the importance of ensuring adequate nutrition for children and strengthening preventive healthcare measures.

The specialists also called for training doctors at district-level and specialised hospitals to improve the diagnosis and management of the disease. They recommended making regular bone mineral density tests more widely available to identify people at risk.

Where bone density testing facilities are unavailable, experts stressed the use of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) to assess a person's likelihood of sustaining a fracture.

They said a coordinated approach involving public awareness, early risk assessment, improved diagnostic facilities and trained healthcare professionals would be crucial to reducing the burden of osteoporosis across the country.