Beirut:The American University of Beirut (AUB), in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, hosted a significant scientific event at the AUB Medical Center to coincide with National Osteoporosis Day 2026. The event, titled "From Guideline Recommendations to National-Level Implementation," focused on addressing gaps in osteoporosis care across Lebanon.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, the event served as a platform to review national osteoporosis initiatives, update Lebanese osteoporosis guidelines, and discuss the deficiencies in awareness, diagnosis, and treatment access. The goal was to establish actionable steps to enhance osteoporosis care throughout the country.

Dr. Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan, chair of the National Task Force for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disorders, delivered the opening remarks. She emphasized the global and local challenges posed by osteoporosis and highlighted the task force's current mandate. Additional speakers included Dr. Raymond Sawaya of AUB and Dr. Rakan Nassereldine, the Lebanese Minister of Public Health.

The event featured presentations from three working groups on clinical practice improvement, public education, and financial coverage. Notably, Dr. Marlene Chakhtoura discussed updates to the 2026 Lebanese osteoporosis guidelines, while Dr. Asma Arabi introduced an initiative for training in bone mineral density measurement.

Dr. Jotheeswaran Amuthavalli from the World Health Organization delivered a virtual keynote address on closing care gaps in osteoporosis. The event concluded with a roadmap for advancing osteoporosis care, presented by Dr. El-Hajj Fuleihan, outlining proposed actions and follow-up measures.