Bone and Joint Decade
What is the Bone and Joint Decade?
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The United Nations, the World Health Organization and 37 countries have proclaimed the year 2000-2010 as the Bone and Joint Decade. This global initiative is intended to improve the lives of people with musculoskeletal disorders, such as arthritis, and to advance understanding and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders through prevention, education and research.
The 10-year global initiative launched by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan urges governments around the world to start taking action to draw attention to the growing pervasiveness and impact of musculoskeletal diseases and to reduce the social and financial burdens to society.
What is the Arthritis Foundation's Role in the Bone and Joint Decade?
As a supporter of the Bone and Joint Decade, the Arthritis Foundation is part of a worldwide effort to:
raise awareness and educate the world on the increasing societal impact of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders
empower patients to participate in decisions about their care and treatment
increase global funding for prevention activities and treatment research
continually seek and promote cost-effective prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders
What is the United State's Involvement in the Bone and Joint Decade?
President Clinton issued a letter of support for this global initiative to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life. On March 21, 2002, President George W. Bush proclaimed the years 2002-2011 the National Bone and Joint Decade, recognizing the importance of promoting a healthy musculoskeletal structure for all people from childhood through adulthood. In addition, all 50 state governments have officially endorsed the Decade.
Why Have Musculoskeletal Problems Been Selected as the Focus for the Decade?
The World Health Organization estimates that several hundred million people already suffer from bone and joint diseases, with dramatic increases expected due to a doubling in the number of people over 50 years of age by 2020.
In the United States musculoskeletal complaints (including arthritis) are the leading category of reported chronic impairment and also rank at the top in terms of visits to physicians - more than 130 million patient visits, costing $215 billion were recorded in 1995 alone. There are more than 46 million people in the United States affected by arthritis and related conditions and that number is expected to climb and baby boomers age.
Where Can I Find More Information About the Bone and Joint Decade?
Visit the U.S. Bone and Joint Decade Web site
Visit the international web site
