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Thousands participate in osteoporosis walkathon

DUBAI — Thousands of people took part yesterday in a walkathon held to raise awareness against osteoporosis at Zabeel Park. The event, which saw the international launch of World Osteoporosis Day, was covered by more than 50 visiting international journalists.

The walkathon came to the city through the efforts of the Emirates Osteoporosis Society and the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).

The walkathon was preceded by a citywide open bus tour by Um Khammas of FREEJ, the popular animated cartoon series.

“Experts were on hand at the shopping malls to conduct bone density tests and members of the public were pleased to be able to take advantage of this opportunity to check their vulnerability to osteoporosis,” said Dr Jamal Ali Al Saleh, President of the Emirates Osteoporosis Society.

“Dubai kicked-off a global series of events for the IOF World Osteoporosis Day which is a vital tool in creating awareness of the disease and enabling the public to learn what steps to take in its prevention and treatment.”

Other awareness projects marked the launch including setting up day-long osteoporosis awareness stands at Deira City Centre and Ibn Battuta and Al Ghurair shopping malls. A scientific programme was also held at Al Murooj Rotana.

The ‘World Osteoporosis Day’ in Dubai attracted significant support from leading organisations. The platinum sponsors of the campaign were Servier, Nestle Nesvita, and the Dubai Health Authority.