The Rheumatology Association of Kurdistan, in collaboration with the Iraqi Rheumatology Association and under the generous support of Ma3mura company, organized a vibrant and inclusive Osteoporosis Awareness Day on October 24, 2025, at Parki Sami Abdulrahman in Erbil. and at the same day also held in Baghdad.
This initiative was part of the Association’s ongoing commitment to public health education, following its establishment in 2014 and the successful execution of four major conferences, including the most recent held in May 2025 in Sulaimanya. That event welcomed over 150 participants and featured 25 distinguished speakers from both local and international backgrounds.
The preparation for the awareness day for osteoporosis began three weeks in advance, led by a multidisciplinary organizing committee comprising rheumatologists from Rizgary and Hawler Teaching Hospitals, physiotherapists, and corporate partners. With official approval from the Ministry of Health, the team launched a multilingual campaign—distributing posters in Kurdish, Arabic, and English across hospitals, universities, elderly care centers, and social media platforms to ensure broad community engagement.
The event drew more than 180 participants, ranging in age from 5 to 75, and was honored by the presence of the Minister of Health and the Director of Health in Erbil. Attendees were welcomed with themed clothing and hats, and the day began with a symbolic walk under the slogan “Move to Protect Your Bones.” Participants were grouped by age: those under 40 walked 1.5 km, while older adults completed a 0.5 km route, all under the supervision of six referees.
Following the walk, participants enjoyed healthy refreshments including milk, in reinforcing the importance of nutrition in bone health. The educational segment featured a keynote address by the Head of the Rheumatology Association, who emphasized the significance of movement and awareness in preventing osteoporosis.
Additional talks by committee members highlighted the health benefits of the event and the broader goals of the campaign.Three local Tv were engaged to raise awareness of the event among people in the whole of Kurdistan.
To conclude, awards were presented to the top three participants, celebrating their enthusiasm and commitment. The event was a resounding success, demonstrating how collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals, institutions, and the community can foster meaningful change.
