International research team calls for stronger global action on osteoarthritis prevention and treatment
The number of people living with osteoarthritis could rise from around 600 million today to nearly one billion by 2050. A global health policy roadmap published today in The Lancet sets out this projection and proposes measures to improve osteoarthritis prevention and care.
The researchers say osteoarthritis is a major public health challenge that receives insufficient attention in health policy. Care for the condition is also not adequately integrated into services for people living with long-term conditions.
Professor Ali Mobasheri from the University of Oulu is a member of the international expert group. His research focuses on osteoarthritis, cartilage biology and disease biomarkers, and he has extensive experience of international research collaboration in osteoarthritis.
“What began as a Lancet Commission in 2020 gradually evolved into a major Health Policy report. We are immensely proud of this roadmap, and we hope it galvanises policymakers, insurers and healthcare systems to finally recognise osteoarthritis as a serious global health challenge and take effective action to address it,” Mobasheri says.
Better prevention and care are needed
The researchers identify three key priorities for reducing the global burden of osteoarthritis: systematic monitoring of the prevalence and costs of the disease, improved access to high-quality and affordable care, and stronger prevention efforts.
Osteoarthritis care should be better integrated into primary care, long-term condition management and rehabilitation. The researchers also highlight the need to raise awareness of the disease and the options available for managing it.
Osteoarthritis is still often regarded as an inevitable part of ageing, with little that can be done to address its symptoms. This perception may delay people seeking care. Although no medicine is currently available to stop or slow the progression of osteoarthritis, evidence-based treatments can help relieve symptoms and maintain physical function.
Ageing, excess weight and joint injuries increase the risk of osteoarthritis
Population ageing, rising levels of excess weight and joint injuries are contributing to the growing prevalence of osteoarthritis. Excess weight and joint injuries are among the risk factors that can be modified.
The future burden of the disease could be reduced by supporting healthy weight management and preventing joint injuries in settings such as sport and the workplace. Early intervention and improved access to care are also essential.
According to the researchers, the global burden of disability associated with osteoarthritis increased by 65% between 1990 and 2023. This was one of the largest increases among more than 350 diseases and health conditions tracked by the Global Burden of Disease study.
Osteoarthritis can make everyday activities such as walking and exercise difficult. Its effects are therefore felt not only by individuals but also by healthcare systems and national economies.
Global roadmap aims to shape health policy
The roadmap calls on governments to recognise osteoarthritis as a major long-term condition, give it greater priority in national health policies, invest in prevention and ensure access to evidence-based care.
The article was published on World Arthritis Day, 12 October. The international expert group included researchers from 18 countries.
Article in The Lancet: Strengthening health systems to prioritise, provide care, and prevent osteoarthritis: a roadmap for global health policy.
Read more: Nearly one billion people could live with osteoarthritis by 2050, international experts warn (Curtin University, Oct 12, 2026)