The historic city of Rome played host to one of the most prestigious global gatherings in bone, joint, and muscle health – the WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2025, held from April 10-13, 2025. With more than 4,500 delegates in attendance and a similar number tuning in virtually, the event showcased cutting-edge science, impactful policy discussions, and a deep commitment to improving musculoskeletal health worldwide. The Asia Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis (APCO) is proud to have contributed significantly across multiple scientific, strategic, and community engagement domains at this prestigious congress.

APCO Wins “Best CNS Booth” at the CNS Village

We are thrilled to share that APCO was awarded the ‘Best CNS Booth’ at the World Congress. The CNS Village is a dynamic and dedicated space in the Congress Exhibition Hall where Committee of CNS member organisations come together annually to showcase their work, foster collaborations, and engage with the global bone health community.

Standing out in this vibrant space was APCO’s visually stunning, culturally immersive, and intellectually engaging booth – a true celebration of the Asia Pacific region. Designed by Prof Manju Chandran, APCO Chairperson, and Satpreet Kaur, APCO Project Manager, the booth was brought to life by a passionate team of APCO representatives who came together to set up, and host the booth over the three-days that the congress took place. These included Prof Manju Chandran, Prof Ambrish Mithal, Dr Lakshmi Nagendra, Prof Thomas Paul, Prof Manoj Chadha, Dr Myadagmaa Jaalkhorol, Dr Tanawat Amphansap, and Dr Thanut Valleenukul.

The booth featured:

• A vivid tribute to the 24 countries and regions represented within APCO
  A colourful display of iconic Asian and Oceania snacks, offering visitors a true taste of Asia Pacific’s cultural and gustatory richness.
• A Knowledge Corner, where attendees could test their awareness of countries in the Asia Pacific region in a fun and interactive way
• A comprehensive showcase of APCO’s clinical, policy, and educational initiatives, including our many tools and resources aimed at improving osteoporosis care across the region

Attendees also had the opportunity to explore key APCO projects, including the upcoming IOF-APCO Asia Pacific Regional Audit 2023-2024, scheduled for official launch at the 9th IOF Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Tokyo, Japan (Dec 11-13, 2025).

The IOF judges, Dr Philippe Halbout and Dr Famida Jiwa, praised APCO’s booth for its creativity, inclusiveness, and ability to bring the APCO mission to life in a unique and interactive way. We’re grateful to them, and to the many attendees who visited and engaged with us – for their recognition and support. This award not only reflects APCO’s growing global recognition but also highlights the power of regional unity in driving awareness and advocacy for osteoporosis prevention and care. It stands as a testament to the impact of collaboration, creativity, and community.

Watch a short video snippet of Prof Manju Chandran accepting the award: https://youtube.com/shorts/a-bAtiKkgF0?feature=share 

Prof Ambrish Mithal Honoured with IOF CSA Medal of Achievement

A momentous highlight of the congress was the presentation of the IOF CSA Medal of Achievement to Prof Ambrish Mithal, one of APCO’s Scientific Advisory members and a trailblazer in the field of endocrinology and bone health in India and the wider Asia Pacific region. Presented during the official Awards Ceremony in Rome, this prestigious honour is reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors (CSA) and to the broader field of bone, joint, and muscle research.

Prof Mithal’s impact over several decades has been nothing short of transformative. As Chair of the Endocrinology and Diabetes Division at Max Healthcare, he has championed osteoporosis awareness, research, and patient care, while also contributing to landmark guidelines and public health initiatives in India. He played a pivotal role in the development of India’s first osteoporosis clinical practice guidelines, and his work has consistently bridged the gap between scientific discovery and clinical implementation.

In accepting the award, Prof Mithal acknowledged the collaborative spirit of the Asia Pacific community and the vital importance of continuing efforts to reduce the burden of osteoporosis in low- and middle-income countries. His recognition by the IOF underscores APCO’s leadership and the exceptional calibre of expertise that exists within the consortium.

Prof Atsushi Suzuki Awarded the IOF President’s Award

In a proud moment for Japan and the broader APCO family, Professor Atsushi Suzuki was honoured with the IOF President’s Award – another esteemed accolade conferred by the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

Prof Suzuki has played a central role in shaping osteoporosis policy and health system integration in Japan. His efforts were instrumental in bringing fracture prevention to the forefront of national healthcare planning, including the implementation of insurance coverage for DXA screening in older adults and the integration of osteoporosis care within primary health services. His work has set a gold standard for how evidence-based policy can tangibly reduce fracture risk across an aging population.

His award serves as a recognition of not only his individual accomplishments but also the growing voice of the Asia Pacific region in shaping global musculoskeletal health policy.

Dr Myadagmaa Jaalkhorol recognised with a Certificate of Excellence

The 2025 ESCEO–Islene Araujo de Carvalho Prize is a prestigious €2,000 grant awarded by the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO). The prize supports a scientific project that approaches musculoskeletal health and aging from a global public health perspective. APCO member and President of the Mongolian Naran Society for Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, Dr Myadagmaa Jaalkhorol, submitted her abstract for consideration. While she was not selected as the winner, she was recognised with a Certificate of Excellence in acknowledgement of her commendable contribution.

APCO Members Lead from the Front in Scientific Sessions

APCO experts were highly visible throughout the WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2025 scientific program, chairing sessions and sharing vital research and regional experiences. Here are just a few highlights:

• Prof Peter R. Ebeling delivered a plenary lecture on “Obesity stratification in personalised osteoporosis management” and led the ESCEO Symposium: Recommendations for an optimal use of Bone Forming Agents in osteoporosis as discussion leader.
• Prof Manju Chandran presented two powerful lectures:
  • • “Lessons learned from implementing and maintaining FLS in Singapore” during the session by the Capture the Fracture Governance of the IOF on FLS implementation globally.
    • The final plenary lecture on the final day: “Successful fracture healing: do osteoporosis and its treatment matter?“
• APCO members also chaired several key sessions:
  • • Prof Manju Chandran and Dr Lakshmi Nagendra co-chaired Scientific Session V with Prof Claudia Campusano.
    • Prof Manju Chandran and Prof Peter R. Ebeling co-chaired Scientific Session IV.
    • Prof Ambrish Mithal chaired Scientific Session V alongside Prof Şansin Tüzün.
    • Prof Peter R. Ebeling chaired the Session titled: Abdominal aortic calcification and musculoskeletal health

A Proud Moment for APCO and the Asia Pacific Region

The WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2025 in Rome was more than a conference – it was a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and global impact. APCO’s strong presence across awards, scientific sessions, and the CNS Village booth reflects the growing influence and excellence of Asia Pacific leadership in musculoskeletal health. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every APCO member who contributed to this memorable showing in Rome.