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During each international conference, the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF) presents the Award of Excellence to an individual or organisation in recognition of their special contribution to the service of people with disabilities in general or to people with hydrocephalus and spina bifida in particular. In 2024, Prof. Dr. Rick Finnell received the Award of Excellence during the 30th International Conference on Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The 30th International Conference on Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, convened in Kuala Lumpur from October 24th to 26th, resulted in a historic declaration that calls for global action to improve the prevention of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and ensure continuous, coordinated, and inclusive multidisciplinary care for individuals affected by spina bifida and /or hydrocephalus (SBH) throughout all stages of life, from childhood to adulthood. Join the action to co-sign the Kuala Lumpur Declaration.

During this year's World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day (WSBHD) on 25 October, we brought further awareness as to how we can bridge the gaps for our global SBH community. For the first time we were able to organise a meeting in a hybrid way with 350 participants from 30 countries attending our conference in Malaysia in person, and 32  joining our conference webinar online.

The 30th International Conference on Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus took place from October 24 to 26 in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Together, we discussed strategies for adressing gaps in healthcare and prevention, while promoting a multidisciplinary approach that places our community at its core. Our heartfelt congratulations to SiBIAM as hosting association. This conference was a starting point for future meetings whereby we continue building bridges together!

We are thrilled to welcome you soon to the 30th International Conference on Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus! The local organisers of this event, the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Malaysia (SIBIAM) providing you with an ambitious program as part of our 30th anniversary International Conference on Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in the beautiful city of Petaling Jaya, Selangor taking place from 24 to 26 October 2024. Have a look at the 30th International Conference Programme Book and we hope you have an incredible and memorable time at this conference.

On August 12 the IF International Youth Group SBH celebrated the UN recognised  International Youth Day. For this year, youth started with a social media campaign and extended an invitation to all young people with SBH around the globe to amplify the voices of the youth. A particular highlight was the zoom webinar dedicated to Mental Health Matters organised by and for youth with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus around the world.