DOWN ESPAÑA and the OAFI Foundation have signed a framework agreement to promote musculoskeletal health among people with Down’s syndrome

The partnership involves carrying out joint initiatives in the areas of prevention, training and research to improve the quality of life of people with Down’s syndrome

Barcelona, 20 July 2026. DOWN ESPAÑA and the Osteoarthritis Foundation International (OAFI) have signed a framework agreement for collaboration with the aim of promoting joint initiatives that contribute to improving musculoskeletal health and the quality of life of people with Down’s syndrome.

This partnership stems from both organisations’ shared commitment to the prevention, early detection and comprehensive management of musculoskeletal conditions, one of the areas with the greatest impact on the health and independence of people with Down’s syndrome throughout all stages of life.

Down’s syndrome and its link to musculoskeletal conditions

People with Down’s syndrome have, from an early age, lower bone mineral density than the general population, a condition that persists or worsens over the years. Furthermore, adults with Down’s syndrome develop early-onset degenerative conditions of the cervical spine, including spondylosis and cervical spondylotic myelopathy, which tend to appear earlier than in adults without Down’s syndrome. Added to this is an increased risk of developing inflammatory arthritis, which is the second most common musculoskeletal condition, second only to flat feet.

Furthermore, one of the greatest challenges identified by specialists is the delay in diagnosis: on average, 3.3 years elapse from the onset of symptoms until this arthropathy is diagnosed in people with Down’s syndrome, compared with 0.7 years in the rest of the paediatric population, leading to a delayed response to the condition and a deterioration in their quality of life.

These figures highlight the importance of having screening and early detection protocols in place, as well as of promoting specific research in this field – two of the key objectives of the agreement between DOWN ESPAÑA and OAFI.

Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash

The strategic pillars of the collaboration

The agreement provides for the development of joint programmes and initiatives in three strategic areas: prevention and early detection through free mobile screening campaigns, organised by OAFI from its charity clinic, which include the promotion of healthy lifestyles and screening; training and public awareness-raising through participation in charity conferences organised by OAFI, such as Articulando el Deporte (Madrid) and Osteoarthritis Patients World Congress (Barcelona) and research and innovation, with the involvement of members of DOWN ESPAÑA in the OAFI Community, a collaborative network of patients that promotes research and the generation of knowledge in the field of musculoskeletal health.

A shared commitment to health and quality of life

Through this agreement, DOWN ESPAÑA and OAFI reaffirm their commitment to promoting health, research and the generation of knowledge, working together to drive forward initiatives that help improve mobility, functionality, independence and quality of life for people with Down’s syndrome in Spain.

As with other health issues affecting people with Down’s syndrome, the impact and influence of osteoarthritis, osteoarticular inflammation and osteoporosis still have gaps or aspects that we do not yet fully understand. This long-term collaboration aims to deepen our understanding, resolve clinical uncertainties, support research initiatives and establish whether the factors mentioned are relevant in the adult population with Down’s syndrome.

Through this collaboration, we also recognise the excellent work being carried out by OAFI in this field and our hope that the collaboration will bring knowledge and benefits to all people with Down’s syndrome, not only in Spain but beyond.”

Mr Agustín Matía, managing director of Down España, states that “Down España is delighted to be establishing a partnership and working together with OAFI”.

Dr Josep Vergés, president of the OAFI Foundation, states: “At OAFI, we have been working for years to ensure that musculoskeletal health receives the attention it deserves. This agreement with DOWN ESPAÑA enables us to reach a group of people who suffer from these conditions at a particularly early age and, all too often, without a diagnosis. It is not just about treatment, but about taking proactive measures to improve this group’s quality of life”

About Down España

DOWN ESPAÑA is the leading organisation for Down’s syndrome in Spain. It brings together 92 Down’s syndrome organisations from across the country. Since 1991, it has been working to ensure the independence and inclusion of people with Down’s syndrome.

Through its programmes and publications on Early Intervention, Health, Education, Employment and Independent Living, it offers support to people with Down syndrome in all areas of their lives to help them achieve full integration into society.

DOWN ESPAÑA is a member of international associations such as the European Down Syndrome Association and Down Syndrome International, and is a founding member of the Ibero-American Federation of Down Syndrome (FIADOWN).

About OAFI

Osteoarthritis Foundation International (OAFI) It is the world’s first and only non-profit foundation dedicated exclusively to people suffering from osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and other osteoarticular conditions. Founded in 2016 and based in Barcelona, OAFI leads the global fight for joint health, promoting programmes focused on education, prevention, research and patient support. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for people living with these conditions by promoting early detection, self-care and patient empowerment.

Through international conferences, awareness campaigns, scientific projects and collaborations, OAFI works to place joint health at the centre of the health and social agenda. https://www.oafifoundation.com/