In a double commemoration of the National Sports Day (Hari Sukan Negara) 2024 and World Osteoporosis Day on 20 October, the Bone Health Alliance Malaysia (BHAM) is advocating for active aging among Malaysians to prevent and manage osteoporosis, a fast-rising public health concern in Malaysia.
As the country officially reached aged nation status in 2021¹, Malaysia now faces a projected 3.5-fold increase in hip fractures between 2018 and 2050—the highest rise in Asia². This alarming trend is expected to burden the healthcare system with costs exceeding MYR530 million (US$125 million) by 2050², underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures and greater public awareness.
In response to the intensifying threat of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in Malaysia, BHAM has stepped up its efforts by supporting the "Sports for Senior Citizens" program by the Ministry of Youths & Sports. BHAM’s support for the program was further highlighted during the “National Sports Day - Jom Gerak” event on 12 October at Taman Rimba Kiara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, where medical experts from the alliance engaged and educated community members, particularly seniors, on the importance of bone health. Free bone health risk assessment was also performed for the public on that day.
The National Sports Day Jom Gerak event was officiated by YB Hannah Yeoh, the Youth and Sports Minister who envisioned Malaysia as a sporting nation and drove the importance of citizens taking up sports for a healthier lifestyle. "Even though National Sports Day is an annual celebration, we aim to foster a culture where Malaysians engage in sports regularly to maintain good health. With over 103 gazetted sports, everyone in society has a sport that suits them, and the government’s tax relief of up to RM1,000 for equipment and coaching is a great opportunity to encourage this healthy lifestyle.,” said YB Hannah Yeoh, “If every Malaysian stays physically active, we could redirect more of our budget towards building better facilities and creating more opportunities for growth. Currently, a significant portion of the budget is spent on treating health issues that could have been prevented with regular exercise. To reduce these costs in the long term, we need a healthier, more active population."
The “National Sports Day – Jom Gerak” event was jointly organised by Feminine Magazine, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Segambut Member of Parliament Office, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, Komuniti Madani, and Friends of Bukit Kiara. Supporting non-governmental organisations include Bone Health Alliance Malaysia and Diabetes Malaysia. The event is part of the National Sports Day celebration taking place nationwide attracted over 30,000 participants engaging in 64 different activities, showcasing the event’s inclusivity and broad appeal, which included senior citizens, people with disabilities and children.
Say No to Fragile Bones
Since its inception in 2020, BHAM has advocated for proactive measures such as regular bone health screenings and consultations with healthcare professionals to improve osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment. Consistent physical activity, beginning at an early age, is also essential for building and maintaining strong bones throughout life.
Despite its prevalence, osteoporosis remains under-diagnosed in Malaysia. Low awareness, misconceptions, and a lack of understanding about the disease have contributed to this. According to a survey conducted by BHAM, 96% of respondents were unaware of the risk factors associated with osteoporosis³. Furthermore, after sustaining a fragility fracture, 80% of patients are still not diagnosed or treated for osteoporosis, leading to a high risk of subsequent fractures within the first two years after the initial fracture⁴.
"Early diagnosis through bone density scans is crucial in preventing fractures and minimising long-term healthcare costs. Malaysian health systems must prioritise access to affordable screening programs, especially for high-risk groups like post-menopausal women. Public awareness campaigns are equally vital to educate individuals on the importance of early screening in preventing severe bone deterioration. In addition, establishing a centralised patient registry and funding larger-scale fracture studies will play an integral role in developing effective, integrated care pathways for bone health management," said Associate Prof. Dr Jeyakantha Ratnasingam, Committee of Malaysian Osteoporosis Society (MOS).
"BHAM’s community screening efforts in 2024 have highlighted a concerning gap in public awareness about osteoporosis, with many individuals unaware of their bone health status. The data reveals a higher-than-expected prevalence of low bone density among older adults, with 37% identified as medium to high risk for osteoporosis. Additionally, co-morbidities such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis were present in 11% and 7% of those screened, respectively. These findings reinforce the urgent need for more robust public health campaigns that emphasise bone health education and early detection through screenings," said Ms. Choo Yem Kuen, President of Osteoporosis Awareness Society of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (OASKLS).
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) also reports that 80% of patients worldwide are still not diagnosed or treated for osteoporosis after a fracture5. In Malaysia, fewer than one in four patients regain full mobility within six months of a fracture⁵, underscoring the need for post-fracture care coordination programs such as Fracture Liaison Services (FLS).
“These programs ensure that patients receive the necessary treatment and follow-up care to prevent secondary fractures, which are critical for maintaining mobility and independence. Bone health should be prioritised as a public health concern, encouraging collective efforts at national, state, and local levels to raise awareness and implement effective initiatives. The time has come for a paradigm shift in how we manage bone health, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care before, during, and after surgery. By addressing this issue proactively, we can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life," stated Dato Dr Lee Joon Kiong, President of Fragility Fracture Network of Malaysia (FFNM).
For more updates, follow BHAM on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoneHealthAllianceMY
References:
¹ New Straits Times. Population estimates show that Malaysia has reached aged nation status in 2021.
² Economist Impact: Intergrated Care Pathways for Bone Health: Malaysia
³ New Straits Times. Prioritizing Bone Health.
⁴ International Osteoporosis Foundation. WOD 2023 Toolkit.
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