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According to the recent WHO Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities, approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide live with significant disabilities, and far too often, they face avoidable inequalities such as limited access to healthcare services, systemic biases, and physical, social, and institutional barriers. Addressing these injustices is not only a moral imperative but also a necessity to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mental health is fundamental to overall well-being, enabling individuals to navigate life's challenges, realise their potential, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. However, for individuals with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH), the path to mental well-being is often obstructed by societal stigma, discrimination, and a lack of adequate support systems.

At IF, we are looking for a company to develop and design a new, modern, user-friendly, accessible and up-to-date website, transfer all content from the current website to the new one, as well as to maintain the website and intervene when assistance is needed. All offers must be sent to: [email protected].

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December 2024, the 1st Euregional Youth Meeting organized with Zonnebloem JONG took place in the province of Limburg in the Netherlands. This one-day event was a unique opportunity for young people with disabilities from Belgium, Germany, France, Poland and the Netherlands to literally cross borders to meet and exchange on the topic of independent living. 

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.