Objectives and vision
Osteoporosis New Zealand
– a national voice
Osteoporosis New Zealand was launched on October 20 1999. It was formed to raise awareness and knowledge of osteoporosis and to provide a national 'voice' for those with osteoporosis and those at risk of developing this bone disease.
Our vision
To raise awareness of osteoporosis as a critical health issue in New Zealand.
Objectives to 2010
- To achieve awareness of the health implications of osteoporosis by 2010 among:
- 55% of New Zealanders; and
- 100% of New Zealand health practitioners.
- To have osteoporosis feature on government’s list of top 13 public health priorities by 2010.
- To achieve uniform government funding and readily available regional access for the diagnosis and treatment for people with osteoporosis by 2010.
- To be perceived as the pre-eminent body representing osteoporosis in New Zealand, and the recognised source of evidence-based information.
- To obtain funding to ensure the Osteoporosis New Zealand objectives to 2010 and beyond.
Values
For those with osteoporosis and those at risk, Osteoporosis New Zealand:
- Is committed to advocating on their behalf.
- Will maintain its integrity
- In providing best-evidence and best-practice information
- Will remain free of undue influence.
- Will be sensitive to cultural differences and will respect the principle of partnership inherent in the Treaty of Waitangi.
- Values the contribution of health professionals and others who advise, support and care for those with osteoporosis.
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Will focus on creating a sound administrative and financial base for its activities.
Osteoporosis New Zealand does this by providing:
- Information - on osteoporosis, its risks, prevention and treatment to health professionals and the wider public.
- Education - targeting at those most at risk, and producing guidelines for health professionals on the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis.
- Support - providing best practice and evidence-based information for those with osteoporosis.
- Advocacy -
- Establishing and maintaining contact with decision makers on health issues to represent the interests of New Zealanders with osteoporosis.
- A national voice for advocacy for patient services so that those who have osteoporosis are well managed and that medicines for treating osteoporosis are available at a reasonable cost.
