MSD Malaysia together with the Malaysian Osteoporosis Society (MOS) launched a month-long public awareness program in the month of October 2005 to focus on raising public awareness on osteoporosis. This was in conjunction with the World Osteoporosis Day which fell on October 20, 2005. 

Whilst much has been done to raise the awareness and education levels of Malaysians on osteoporosis, the disease remains largely undiagnosed and more often only discovered when a fracture occurs.

“The ‘Visit the Doctor’ campaign is all about encouraging Malaysians to raise the level of awareness of osteoporosis and to encourage them to speak to their doctors if found to be at risk,” said Dr Lee Joon Kiong, President of MOS.  

“Osteoporosis can be managed and treated provided individuals at risk of osteoporosis are proactive in getting themselves diagnosed early,” he added.

Known as ‘a silent disease,’ osteoporosis is a progressive medical condition in which the bone density peaks around age 30 and slowly decreases with age.

Osteoporosis related fractures are recognized as a major health problem by the WHO.

“The support of public disease education programs is important to us at MSD Malaysia.  When Malaysians are better educated about diseases, the more empowered they are to make the right choices to ensure proper management.  The “Visit Your Doctor” campaign is just one of the many ways we are looking to educate Malaysians (on osteoporosis),” said Mr Ewe Kheng Huat, MSD Malaysia’s Managing Director.

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