Research Programme to Battle Osteoporosis

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Fonterra CEO Andrew Ferrier undertakes a bone health scan in Auckland to help raise awareness of World Osteoporosis Day on Friday October 20. While Andrew’s results get the thumbs up from Fonterra Nutrition Research Manager Angela Berrill, many New Zealanders are not as fortunate.

MEDIA RELEASE
20 October 2006

Fonterra and International Osteoporosis Foundation Launch Research Programme to Battle Disease

Fonterra and the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) marked World Osteoporosis Day today with the launch of an international research programme into the growing incidence of osteoporosis in the Asia-wide region.

In New Zealand it is thought that up to 50 per cent of women and 30 per cent of men over the age of 60 will suffer from serious health problems related to poor bone health.

Fonterra CEO Andrew Ferrier, who this week received his own bone health scan, says osteoporosis and deteriorating bone density are major threats to quality of life in later years.

“Osteoporosis can take away a person’s physical freedom and independence and is a growing concern in New Zealand and throughout the Asia-Pacific.

“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and a diet that builds stronger, healthy bones will assist in preventing fractures caused by poor bone health.”

Mr Ferrier says the joint research programme will help raise awareness and increase knowledge about bone health and osteoporosis while people still have the opportunity to take measures to prevent the disease.

IOF Chief Executive Dr Daniel Navid says a lack of information and awareness about osteoporosis is one of the stumbling blocks in fighting the disease.

“A stronger evidence base provided by the Fonterra backed research programme will ensure bone health is top-of-mind among governments, health care professionals and people throughout the Asia-Pacific.”

Earlier this year, Fonterra launched the Bone Health Check in partnership with GE Healthcare with the target of bone scanning three million people across nine Asian countries in two years. To date, over 500,000 people across Asia have been scanned.

ENDS

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