The Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy of HKU and the OSHK jointly organized the ” COSA Osteoporosis Community Screening Program”.
Nurturing health ambassadors to promote early diagnosis and intervention of osteoporosis.
With the goal of raising public awareness of osteoporosis, preventing bone fractures and promoting community health, the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacyof HKU and the Osteoporosis Society of Hong Kong (OSHK) have jointly organized the “COSA Osteoporosis Community Screening Program”. The objective of the program is to identify high-risk osteoporosis patients in the community at an early stage, utilize local resources for early diagnosis and treatment, and establish a comprehensive model for osteoporosis screening. As part of this endeavor, individuals from the 18 districts have been recruited to become Osteoporosis Health Ambassadors, who will play a crucial role in promoting osteoporosis awareness and health in the community.
The first “Osteoporosis Health Ambassadors Training Course” was successfully completed on 22nd March with Prof. Cheung Ching Lung, Associate Professor of the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, and President of the Osteoporosis Society of Hong Kong, serving as the keynote speaker. Up to 50 Health Ambassadors participated in the program. During the program, the ambassadors not only learned about the causes of osteoporosis, risk factors and the impact of bone fractures, but also gained a deeper understanding of osteoporosis as a preventable, diagnosable and treatable disease, as well as the importance of early assessment of osteoporosis risk and appropriate prevention and treatment. Prof. Cheung also demonstrated how to utilize the Chinese Osteoporosis Screening Algorithm (COSA), an osteoporosis risk prediction tool designed specifically for the Chinese population, to equip the ambassadors to promote bone health, and conduct osteoporosis risk assessment for their friends and relatives, thereby contributing to the overall health of the community.
To reach a wider audience, we welcome the support and participation of different organizations and healthcare professionals in the “COSA Osteoporosis Community Screening Program”. Let us join hands to raise awareness about osteoporosis and prevent bone fracture within our community. If you have any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.