Bone and Joint Decade
The goal of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 is to improve the health-related quality of life for people with musculoskeletal disorders throughout the world by
- Raising awareness of the growing burden of musculoskeletal disorders on society
- Empowering patients to participate in their own care
- Promoting cost-effective prevention and treatment
Advancing understanding of musculoskeletal disorders through research to improve prevention and treatment.
It was endorsed by the United Nation on 30 November 1999 by UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan who said, "There are effective ways to prevent and treat these disabling disorders, but we must act now. Joint diseases, back complaints, osteoporosis and limb trauma resulting from accidents have an enormous impact on individuals and societies, and on healthcare services and economies."
It was formally launched on 13 January 2000 at the headquarters of the World Health Organization in
Geneva, Switzerland.
No one single organisation alone can accomplish the desired benefits for the person with a
musculoskeletal condition or for their family. The Decade is a multi-disciplinary, global campaign
that is promoting and implementing initiatives in all parts of the world. These are being developed
in partnership with appropriate patient, professional and scientific organisations, companies,
healthcare providers, governments and non-government organisations in consultation with global and
regional stakeholders. These organisations are working together at an international level and
also at a national level through National Action Networks that now exist in 60 countries. The
initiative has been endorsed by the governments of 60 countries.
RELATED INFORMATION
BJD website
For further information about the Bone and Joint Decade, visit their
website.