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INFOLETTER 19October 2001
Dear Bone and Joint Decade supporting organisation and friend,
On behalf of the BJD Steering Committee I am pleased to report to you of the latest achievements in regard to the initiative.
Lars Lidgren, Chairman of the Steering Committee
Despite the tragic events of New York and the less peaceful situation in the world, our efforts to make a difference for those suffering from musculoskeletal conditions through the Bone and Joint Decade is relentlessly continuing. It is unfortunate that we were unable to hold our annual meeting of the National Action Networks, since it is essential that we also meet in person to share our experiences and thoughts, to discuss and to move forward. For the present we instead have to communicate by our newsletter. I have just visited Germany, Australia and New Zealand and met great enthusiasm. In this letter you also find reports of new initiatives around the world, that I hope you will find inspiring.
Governmental Support Now Includes 37 NationsGuatemala: The Government in Guatemala has officially given endorsement to the Bone and Joint Decade. For more information: Prof. Abraham Garcia Kutzback.
Thailand: The Minister of Public Health, Sudarat Keyuraphan has signed the declaration of support on 9 October 2001. For more information please contact Prof. Mongkol Vatanasuk.
Congratulations!
New National Action Networks
The Philippines: A National Network has been formed including the following organisations:
- Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine, Inc.
- Arthritis Care and Research Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (Arthritis CaRe)
- Osteoporosis Society of the Philippines, Inc.
- Philippine Bone Foundation, Inc.
- Philippine Orthopaedic Association, Inc.
- Philippine Rheumatology Association, Inc.
For more information please contact the new NAN coordinator, Lauro M. Abrahan Jr., MD, President, Philippine Orthopaedic Association
Morocco is now officially a National Network with Prof. Mustapha TRAFEHas the NAN coordinator.
This means that in 49 countries BJD National Action Networks are creating their own national goals and agendas with participants from various professional and patients' musculoskeletal organisations.
Change of NAN coordinatorRomania: Dr. med. Mihai Berteanu, General Secretary of the Romanian Society of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine has been appointed to be new NAN coordinator. For more information, e-mail: mbert@fx.ro. Dr N Georgescu, the previous NAN coordinator is past president of the Romanian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology and has now stepped down.
We welcome Dr Mihai Berteanu and thank Dr N. Georgescu.
North African Regional Coordinator Dr Thami BENZAKOUR, Casablanca, Morocco has been appointed to be North African Regional Coordinator to raise the awareness of BJD in North Africa, particularly in countries where the resource allocation for care of bone and joint disorder is low. For more information, e-mail: t.benzak@iam.net.ma.
National Action Network ActivitiesAustralia: The National Action Network has produced an eight- minute video presentation of the Bone and Joint Decade. E- mail: p.brooks@mailbox.uq.edu.au
Colombia: Dr Carlo V Caballero-Uribe, NAN coordinator reports from The Centralamerican, Caribbean and Andean Congress of Rheumatology (ACCA region) that there is a poor penetration of BJD programs and support in this area. He has sent BJD information to the Rheumatology Presidents of 12 countries in the area. E-mail: carvica@celcaribe.net.co
Germany: On 4 October 2001 the German Orthopaedic Scientific Society (DGOOC) [100 year anniversary] and the professional societies (BVO) [50 year anniversary] had their annual meeting in Berlin, attended by 3000 people.
The Bone and Joint Decade was highly visible with banners and flags during the whole conference. BJD was also highlighted in the opening ceremony. Later during the meeting a symposium was supported by a presentation on the BJD Portal by Director of Development, Karsten Dreinhöfer, MD.
Hungary: The Hungarian Ministry of Health has provided an annual contribution for the Hungarian Bone and Joint Decade Foundation, which is a non-profit NAN organisation. For more information, email: balintg@mail.datanet.hu.
New Zealand: The NAN meeting in March 2001 set as its two main goals for this year to attempt measurement of the size of the burden of musculoskeletal disease in NZ and the establishment of a road show to raise awareness among the public and to provide a public interactive question and answer opportunity wherever the road show is held. For this year the emphasis is on arthritis and improved access to rheumatological drugs. There were a number of other objectives too such as consolidating the National Joint Register, extending the 'Move it or lose it' and 'Save your Bones' campaigns, and broadening educational messages. A national Hip Walk is planned for November.
Measurement is proving to be a massive task, probably beyond the present resources of NAN New Zealand, but the issue will be raised with the Minister of Health during a forthcoming meeting to present an Executive Summary of the Global Economic and Healthcare Burden of Musculoskeletal Disease at the start of the new Millennium.
The Combined New Zealand and Australian Orthopaedic Associations, meeting in the New Zealand ski resort of Queenstown at present, welcomed Prof. Lars Lidgren as a principal guest speaker. For more information please contact Geoffrey Lamb, National coordinator.
Romania: The Romanian Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine will have the 21st Annual National Conference of P&RM on 25-27 October in the city of Cluj under the BJD umbrella. The main topic is musculoskeletal rehabilitation. E-mail: mbert@fx.ro.
Spain: Enric Cáceres, NAN coordinator reports that the NAN had a major session about BJD in Spain during a national meeting in Bilbao on 10-13 October . A PowerPoint presentation of BJD was performed during the Assembly. E-mail: ecaceres@hsp.santpau.es
Thailand: Mongkol Vatanasuk, NAN coordinator reports that the activities of the Bone and Joint Decade in Thailand now are moving forward. The NAN will extend the efforts to get more local professional and charitable organisations becoming involved in the National Action Network. The NAN will have a meeting on 31 October, 2001 with these organisations. E-mail: vatanasu@cscoms.com. The BJD Secretariat has sent BJD flyers for the meeting.
Coming eventsAmerican College of Rheumatology (ACR) 65th Annual Scientific Meeting will take place on 11-15 November, 2001 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, CA. BJD will have a booth. The BJD flyers are to be inserted in every conference bag (11.000 bags)
BJD Annual Meeting in NYC postponedDue to the tragedy in NYC and Washington on 11 September, 2001 the BJD International Steering Committee decided to postpone the meeting scheduled for October in Manhattan NYC for 2 - 6 months.
Corporate partnerWe would like to welcome Aircast and director Jim Johnson as a corporate partner for Technical Development.
The Portal projectThe SICOT World Orthopaedics Online Portal was launched at the Annual International Conference in Paris on 30 August, 2001. Through SICOT World, SICOT will provide each of its members with an individualised Internet portal for accessing information and other services. Online continuing medical education, for example SICOT's e-Education an e- Training programmes, will be available through the portal.
SICOT World is part of a larger effort called the Musculoskeletal Societies eCooperative using the Internet to bring orthopaedic and rheumatology societies and their members together on a global basis, and is being advanced by the Bone and Joint Decade with support from Pharmacia Corporation.
The Monitor projectThe Executive Summary of WHO/BJD report on The Global Economic and Healthcare Burden of Musculoscelatal Disease has been sent to our NANs to be delivered to their Minister of Health. This is now an approved document by the WHO and the BJD.
Other itemsAn interesting editorial on the Bone and Joint Decade by Edward D Harris Jr., member of the International Steering Committee, has been published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, www.arthritisrheum.organd www.interscience.wiley.com.
One of the target areas musculoskeletal conditions in children has been addressed by Dr.med. Klaus Buckup, Orthopädische Klinik in Dortmund in a recently published book. He will donate his income of the book during the 10-year period to the Bone and Joint Decade charity foundation.
BJD Action Week October 12-20, 2001A global media release has been sent out to highlight activities conducted around the world during Action Week 2001. The Week is designed to call global attention to your organisation's awareness, education and advocacy activities conducted during this targeted week. Some of the activities included:
AustraliaThe Arthritis Foundation of Australia conducted a Tai Chi Day. E- mail: p.brooks@mailbox.uq.edu.au
BrazilThe Brazilian National network conducted a Children's Day at Baixo Bebe-Leblon beach in Rio de Janeiro, consisting of a full day of services, campaign, information and orientation about children's trauma prevention. A Bone and Joint Decade conference was held on TVP and PE as well as a dinner and dance. E-mail: mmusafir@uol.com.br
FinlandThe Finnish League Against Musculoskeletal Disorders, a coalition of musculoskeletal associations and organisations, was conducting public lectures in different parts of Finland.
With support from the European Disability Forum, a "National Design for All" seminar was held for health decision-makers, service providers, designers and disability group representatives. Topics focus on the design and implementation of services and products for people with musculoskeletal disorders. A "Design for All" competition for the Bone and Joint Decade was announced. E-mail: mats.gronblad@hus.fi
FranceThe French National Network will present their Health Minister the Executive Summary of WHO/BJD report "The Global Economic and Healthcare Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases."
A press release, under the patronage of the Minister of Health will be released highlighting the actions and projects of the French National Network and its partners.
A national public poll will be conducted the results to form the basis for Network communication and action.
Launching of a new booklet "Prevention of osteoporotic Fractures: Role of Calcium and Vitamin D" which is a partnership between French Ministry of Health and the Association of French Leagues Against Rheumatism (AFLAR).
Conducting numerous regional symposia focusing on arthritis, osteoporosis and musculoskeletal disorders. Wide distribution of the French translated BJD flyer for which Pharmacia gave a grant. E-mail: laurent.sedel@lrb.ap-hop-paris.fr
GermanyOn 9 October the Executive Summary of WHO/BJD report "The Global Economic and Healthcare Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases" was delivered to the German Ministry of Health by Professor Wolfhart Puhl, NAN coordinator in Germany and BJD Director of Development, Karsten Dreinhöfer, MD. The report was received by "Parlamentarischer Staatssekretär" Theo Schröder accompanied by Martin Spilker, Director of the Bertelsmann Foundation.
The German Orthopedic Societies (DGOOC, VLO and BFO) initiated a "Day of Open Doors" in many hospitals and private practises to support the BJD Action Week. On these days exhibitions and presentations were offered for free to the public.
During a ceremony celebrating the 100 anniversary of the German Orthopaedic Society (DGOOC) in Aachen, the German Health Minister Ulla Schmidt presented personally her opinion about the importance of the BJD.
The German PMNR Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Physikalische Medizin und Rehabilitation) held their annual conference under the presidency of Prof. Smolenski in Jena on October 5-7 . It was the first annual meeting of a scientific society in Germany that was held under the motto of the Bone and Joint Decade and highlighted interdisciplinary cooperation on a speciality day. Dr Karsten Dreinhöfer was invited to give the opening lecture.
The German patient organisation for Osteoporosis (Bundesverband für Osteoporose) held a major meeting on the World Osteoporosis Day in Bonn. About 1000 patients came to listen and discuss with experts. This meeting also highlighted the BJD during the meeting and strenghtened the link between patient and scientific societies in the German NAN. E-mail: wolfhart.puhl@medizin.uni-ulm.de
HungaryIn recognition of musculoskeletal diseases named a priority of the recently issued Hungarian National Health Program, the Hungarian National Network was conducting an Arthritis Day and a Spine Day at two internationally known spa cities which includes patient and general practitioner education programs, health gymnastics and health gymnastic training. The Mydeton Prise, founded by Gedeon Richter Pharmaceuticals, was awarded to the best physiotherapist taking part in a nation-wide back pain prevention program. E-mail: balintg@mail.datanet.hu
ILARThe International League Against Rheumatism, consisting of 80 national rheumatology societies and arthritis patient organisations of Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI), recognized 12 October as World Arthritis Day and declared "Think Global --- Act Local. Together everybody achieves more. The idea is global, the action is by the local organisations." www.ilar.org.
IOFThe 96 organisations in 56 countries that comprise the International Osteoporosis Foundation commemorated the Bone and Joint Decade through numerous international and national activities as a part of World Osteoporosis Day (October 20) under the theme "Invest in Your Bones." The report, "Invest in Your Bones", written by Jean-Philippe Bonjour, a member of IOF Committee of Scientific Advisers, and professor of medicine at University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland, presents the latest information on bone development in young people
Launch of the "European Osteotour," a major photographic exhibit in Rome and a bus tour through cities in Italy.
A workshop and press conference in Mexico City under the patronage of the Mexican government and the Pan-American Health Organisation. Posters, artwork, pins distributed.
A One-Minute Risk test available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Turkish via www.osteofound.org.
Media awards were announced in Rome and Mexico from a pool of 50 applications from 15 countries.
JapanThe Japanese Orthopaedic Association was conducting citizen forums, exhibitions at city hall and department stores about the "Day of Bone and Joint" in 79 prefectures throughout Japan.
A meeting for 30-50 media companies was held focusing on joint disease as the focus for 2001.
An academic symposium was held on "Regulation of Differentiation and Function of Cells in Musculoskeletal System." along with a citizen's symposium with a multi-disciplinary panel of speakers.
Various citizen publications on musculoskeletal diseases have been distributed. E-mail: kurokawa@post.cc.showa-u.ac.jp
PolandDepartment of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland, together with the Polish Osteoporosis Foundation and Local Collegium of Osteoporosis commemorated the World Osteoporosis Day on October 20, 2001, during Bone and Joint Decade Action Week, by organizing the conference: "Osteoporosis - diagnostic and therapeutic problems".
The conference took place in Poznan, Collegium Anatomicum, on 20 October 2001. Among invited lecturers - Professor J. Badurski considered if diagnosis of osteoporosis itself, or the fracture risk is more important, Professor R. Lorenz presented the latest ideas connected with the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Among local lecturers - Professor A. Warenik- Szymankiewicz, Professor S. Mackiewicz, A. Spaczynska, M.D., Wanda Horst-Sikorska, M.D., Ph.D., and Professor J. Sowinski discussed the hottest items connected with diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. E-mail: jacek@rose.man.poznan.pl
Saudi ArabiaThe Saudi Arabian National Network was conducting "The International Symposium on Osteoporosis" highlighting the Bone and Joint Decade initiative and with renowned experts from radiology, orthopaedics, gynaecology, endocrinology, rehabilitation and nutrition. A public awareness session (in Arabic) was conducted specifically for women.
Articles in Arabic and English have been published in a range of pamphlets, newsletters and newspapers to promote public awareness of the Bone and Joint Decade. E-mail: mufti_mh@compuserve.com
SingaporeThe Singapore National Network was conducting a public forum on musculoskeletal disorders followed by a nursing symposium over two days. E-mail: Hiok_Hee_Chng@notes.ttsh.gov.sg
Slovak RepublicThe Slovak Republic NAN commemorated the Bone and Joint Decade "Action week" on a 3 days postgraduate meeting organized by the Specialised Research Institute of Rheumatic Disorders. Rheumatologists and Orthopaedic surgeons referred about various problems of bone and joint pathology including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis etc. E-mail: ortopkl@internet.sk
SloveniaThe Slovenian National Network was holding two special meetings: (1) one for Slovenian rheumatologists and patient organisations, and (2) one for the Slovene Bone Society and their related patient organisation. For both meetings, buses and trains from all parts of Slovenia transported participants.
Participating organisations of the National Network provided materials about the impact of musculoskeletal disorders to the print, radio and TV media.
The Alpine Association of Slovenia, with 74,000 members and 156 alpine huts, has received printed materials and Bone and Joint Decade stamps.
The Institute of Public Health of the Ministry of Health announced prevention activities on traffic safety for students and their parents received information about prevention of low back pain and fragility fractures in the elderly.
The orthopaedic groups and their patients launched a campaign about the problem of waiting lists for hip and knee prosthetic implants with the slogan "No more waiting than ONE year!" E-mail: radko.komadina@guest.arnes.si
Sweden
The Swedish National Network was conducting a seminar "The Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders on Society and Individuals" targeting the media and the public with participation from the National Board of Health and Welfare, the Institute for Public Health and other organisations. An update of the Bone and Joint Decade and the campaign in Sweden will be provided. E-mail: livochrorelse@orthop.gu.se
SwitzerlandTo commemorate the Bone and Joint Decade, the University of Bern Switzerland Maurice E. Mueller Center for Continuing Education and Documentation in Orthopaedic Surgery launched a Patient Forum offering assessment tools to help patients monitor low back pain, hip and knee problems to help begin the process of patients contributing directly to orthopaedic outcomes studies. E-mail: pierre.hoffmeyer@hcuge.ch
ThailandThe Arthritis Foundation Thailand was conducting a Thai Arthritis Day under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri where the Bone and Joint Decade was presented. E-mail: vatanasu@cscoms.com
USThe US NAN has reported on one of their major events an Art Show in Chicago made by several patients within musculoskeletal societies. For more information please contact Stuart L Weinstein, US NAN Coordinator, e-mail: stuart-weinstein@uiowa.edu.
Next Infoletterwill be sent out on December 21, information to be included, please submit before December 7.
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