On Monday, June 19th, 2023, Mersaco had the honor of hosting a lecture entitled "Awareness and Adherence to Treatment in Osteoporosis: Role of Pharmacists?" under the patronage of the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon. The lecture was presented by Pr. Fouad Fayad, an esteemed Associate Professor of Rheumatology at Saint Joseph University's Faculty of Medicine in Beirut and Senior Consultant of Rheumatology at Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital in Beirut. Pr. Fayad provided a comprehensive overview of osteoporosis, emphasizing the importance of effective management and the crucial partnership between pharmacists and physicians in delivering optimal patient care.

Worldwide, Osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually, resulting in a fracture every 3 seconds (1). Adding that, up to 80% of patients who have already had at least one osteoporosis fracture, are neither identified nor treated (1). This highlights the urgent need for improved awareness and treatment strategies.

The lecture was attended by over 100 pharmacists and marked a significant achievement in reinforcing the fundamental role of pharmacists in patient education. It served as a powerful reminder of the vital contributions that pharmacists can make towards enhancing patients' understanding of their conditions and ensuring better treatment outcomes.

References:

(1)   International Osteoporosis Foundation. (2023). Epidemiology of Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures. Retrieved from https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics/epidemiology-of-osteoporosis-and-fragility-fractures