The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has awarded the 2024 CNS Medal to Dr Leith Zakraoui, Professor at the University of Tunis School of Medicine. The award was presented on April 13th on the occasion of the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases, held in London, UK. 

The CNS Medal honours an individual who has made important contributions to the IOF Committee of National Societies (CNS) through active participation in CNS activities and by expanding IOF’s message and outreach at the local level.

Dr Famida Jiwa, Chair of the CNS stated, “It is a great honour to present this year’s CNS Medal to Professor Leith Zakraoui, who has dedicated his career to the advancement of musculoskeletal health at both the national and international levels. As the Chair of the IOF Regional Advisory Council for Africa, he works closely with colleagues within IOF to strengthen and expand IOF activities in Africa. His recent re-election to the IOF Board of Governance representing Africa, on which he has served since 2012, is further testimony to his longstanding commitment to IOF and osteoporosis advocacy.”

“On behalf of the Foundation I would like to thank Professor Zakraoui for his valued support and continued dedication to improving osteoporosis awareness, education and patient care.”

Professor Zakraoui stated, “I am profoundly grateful for having been awarded the CNS Medal. This prestigious recognition strengthens my resolve to work alongside my colleagues within the CNS to realize the immense potential inherent in IOF’s mission. Musculoskeletal disorders in the region demand our attention, and as a RAC Africa Chair I look forward to dedicating my expertise to advocate among policy makers and to promote education and awareness within the region and beyond.” 

Leith Zakraoui is Professor at the University of Tunis School of Medicine. He has been a member of the IOF Board since 2012, is a member of IOF’s Committee of Scientific Advisors, and Chairs the IOF Regional Advisory Council for Africa. He has over thirty-five years of experience in the fields of rheumatology and osteoporosis, and has held numerous academic and hospital positions, including in the USA. He was Director of the Dept. of Medicine at the University of Tunis School of Medicine (1999-2002), and Head of the Dept. of Rheumatology at Mongi Slim Hospital in La Marsa, Tunisia (1994-2016), among other positions. He has been President of the Tunisian Osteoporosis Prevention Society (TOPS) since 2000 and has also been President of the Pan-Arab Osteoporosis Society (2002-2005), President of the Tunisian League Against Rheumatism (1995-1997), and General Secretary of the African League of Associations of Rheumatologists (1995-1999), among other positions. 

The CNS, comprising more than 330 organizations in the health field within 152 countries/territories, represents IOF’s core membership committee. As a group it forms the world’s largest single network of national organizations dedicated to osteoporosis and musculoskeletal disorders. CNS societies are run by committed individuals who - often as volunteers – carry out invaluable work in raising public awareness, advancing policy initiatives, and improving patient care at the national level. Their grassroots efforts in implementing IOF information campaigns locally have helped spread osteoporosis and fracture prevention messages around the world.

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About the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis & Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO)
Held jointly by IOF and ESCEO, the WCO-IOF-ESCEO annual congress is the world’s largest forum for the presentation of clinical research and new advances in the prevention and management of musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, and frailty. The WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2024 is being held from April 11-14, 2024 in London, UK. For complete information visit https://www.wco-iof-esceo.org/    
The next WCO-IOF-ESCO is planned from April 10-13, 2025 in Rome, Italy.  

About IOF
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is the world's largest nongovernmental organization dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases. IOF members, including committees of scientific researchers as well as more than 330 patient, medical and research organizations, work together to make fracture prevention and healthy mobility a worldwide heath care priority. https://www.osteoporosis.foundation  @iofbonehealth