Singapore: Global organization, International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), and New Zealand dairy firm, Fonterra have come together to fund and support research on female bone health in Indonesia.

Dr Suharti Suherman of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia has been awarded a grant of approximately $43,000 (Swiss Francs 40,000 for her research into the profile of bone mineral density (BMD), muscle strength and related lifestyle habits in young Indonesian women. Dr. Suharti is Principal Investigator for this joint research project by the Indonesian Union of Osteoporosis (PEROSI) and the Indonesian Healthy Bone Foundation (PERWATUSI). The research was selected from 19 applications, with projects from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam eligible for the grant.

Explaining the study Dr Suharti Suherman said, "I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded this grant which is fundamental in helping me carry out this important research. There is currently a lack of data to help health professionals in Indonesia build effective osteoporosis management and prevention strategies, and I believe that my research will help to fill this gap.

"The objective of this study is to discover the prevalence of low BMD among young Indonesian women, aged 25-35 years old, and the profile of its risk factors. Data will be collected from 450 women from across Jakarta, from which we will learn the relationship between bone mineral density, muscle strength and lifestyle habits," she added.

International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) CEO, Ms Judy Stenmark, said osteoporosis is real and growing concern across Asia. She added that this research will enable a better understanding of the state of bone health in Indonesia.

"The incidence of hip fracture has risen two-to-three fold in Asian countries during the past 30 years and it's expected that by 2050 more than 50 percent of all osteoporotic fractures will occur in the region," she said.

"While this is a clear issue in the region, we are lacking up-to-date and in-depth data on the state of bone health in particular countries. We established this grant, alongside our long-term partner Fonterra, to support an observational, epidemiological study that seeks to understand more about the state of bone health in Asia. Dr Suharti's research works in tandem with our key goals, to promote medical innovation and to improve patient care in the field of musculoskeletal health," she said.