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The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) participated for the first time in the 2nd Comprehensive Health Fair of the UNAM Faculty of Medicine, held from August 15 to 17 in collaboration with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). The event brought together nearly 2,000 first-year students, who visited 21 themed stations with activities focused on physical, mental, and social well-being, including assessments, counseling, and preventive services in areas such as physical therapy, nutrition, and family planning. Within this framework, the IOF consolidated its University Network in Mexico, which connects the world's leading universities with the IOF to promote collaboration and research in bone health.
Dr. Philippe Halbout, CEO of the IOF, said, "The IOF University Network is a model of collaboration with universities that allows us to strengthen strategic links with academic institutions around the world and connect with emerging researchers who will be the next generation of opinion leaders in bone health. Our mission is to promote medical training, scientific exchange, and active prevention. The UNAM Comprehensive Health Fair is an extraordinary example of how, through collaboration with universities, we can make significant progress in our mission to integrate bone health into medical education from the outset.
Monica Caló, Regional Manager for Latin America at the IOF, added: "Participation in the UNAM Comprehensive Health Fair represents a decisive step toward consolidating the IOF University program in Mexico. Training future doctors in healthy habits for bones from the start of their careers is key to prioritizing prevention and bone health care strategies, and contributes to having more informed patients. At the same time, raising awareness among young professionals will promote a multidisciplinary approach to osteoporosis and fractures in the long term."
A space for participation and learning
During the three days, the IOF set up a space to promote bone health with visual resources, educational materials, and interactive activities that provided scientific and practical information to both students and their families. The activities combined knowledge, awareness, and concrete tools for adopting healthy habits in university life.
The initiative was made possible thanks to the support of volunteers from the Epidemiology Research Unit at the Federico Gómez Children's Hospital of Mexico, who accompanied the activities in the field.
Local evidence to promote prevention
One of the most significant contributions of the IOF's participation was the use of a digital questionnaire developed exclusively for the fair in collaboration with local professionals Diana Montiel, M.Sc. in Nutrition, and Berenice Araiza, Physical Therapist. The tool was designed to assess knowledge and habits related to diet and physical activity linked to bone health.
The questionnaire was administered digitally, using tablets and self-reporting via QR code, with a total of 1,377 surveys completed. This information will enable recommendations to be made and contribute to the promotion of healthy practices among the student population, as well as providing local evidence on the perception of bone health among young university students.
"For the Faculty of Medicine, this collaboration with the IOF not only enriches our students' education, but also strengthens the comprehensive health vision we promote. Incorporating bone health into the university agenda is a commitment to academic quality and public health in the country," said Dr. Patricia Clark, member of the IOF Global Board, UNAM academic, Emeritus Researcher of the National System of Researchers, and Secretary of the General Health Council.
In addition to the survey, more than 1,850 recipe books were distributed with calcium- and protein-rich breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, ideal for university life, as well as 1,850 study support kits, which included vitamin supplements, pens, markers, and mouse pads.
The Comprehensive Health Fair was part of the welcome program for the 2025 class of the Faculty of Medicine, which also included the 10th Health Sciences Book Fair, focused on the dissemination of scientific knowledge; the FacMed Circuits: “With all my heart in my new Faculty,” designed to bring students closer to the resources and programs that will accompany their academic career; and the 1st FacMed Olympics.
What is the IOF University Network?
The IOF University Network is a unique initiative of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) that seeks to foster collaboration between the IOF community and universities around the world. Through this network, the IOF connects with medical students and emerging researchers, offering them access to a wide variety of educational resources, scientific tools, and the opportunity to join an international network of bone health experts. This alliance allows academic institutions to partner as allied members of the IOF National Societies Committee and benefit from events, publications, training programmes, and opportunities for co-creation in research and advocacy. More information at: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/our-network/universities