Agenda | October Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Awareness Month

We are excited to invite you to join us in celebrating World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day (WSBHD) 2025 on 25 October under the theme:
Accelerate Action for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus #Action4SBH

Individuals with SBH continue to face numerous barriers, including stigma, discrimination, and a widespread lack of awareness – all of which limit full participation in life’s opportunities. Addressing these challenges and accelerating action on key issues affecting the SBH community is more important than ever.

During this year’s World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day on October 25, we will raise further awareness on how we, as a global community, can work together to achieve this goal. This call to accelerate action is also underscored in the recent Kuala Lumpur Declaration, which IF launched with its co-signatories during the Global Disability Summit. The Declaration advocates for concrete measures to advance disability rights for persons with SBH, reinforcing the urgency of collective commitment and action.

• Visit the official WSBHD website here.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

WSBHD Main Conference Webinar – 25 October 2025
Join our global webinar under this year’s theme Accelerate Action for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Voices from around the world will share experiences, showcase progress, and highlight the need for action.
Register here

IF International Working Group on Ageing with SBH Webinar – 1 October 2025
“Living with SBHs: Our lives, our choices” – a dialogue featuring members of both the Ageing and Youth communities.
Watch here

Regional Side Event – Southeastern Europe – 13 October 2025
A regional meeting to develop strategies supporting individuals living with SBH.
By invitation only

Webinar on Inclusive Employment and Skills for Life – 20 October 2025
An interactive discussion on barriers and opportunities for persons with disabilities in employment.
Register here

Regional Side Event – Asia-Pacific – 22 October 2025
A regional dialogue sharing diverse experiences from across Asia-Pacific.
Register here

Regional Side Event – Africa – 22 October 2025
A discussion on the critical role of prevention and inclusive support in Africa.
Register here

IF Members Advocacy Training – 31 October & 7 November 2025
“Empowering Advocacy: Voices of Persons with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus” – a two-part training designed to strengthen advocacy skills and knowledge.
Register here

More events and activities are available on the official WSBHD website.
We also encourage members to share their own events with us at [email protected].

WSBHD CHALLENGE 2025

This year, we invite YOU to take part in the WSBHD Challenge!

On which domain do you wish to accelerate action?

• Education

• Employment

• Independent living

• Access to health

• Or another area that matters most to you

Express your creativity in one of these formats:

• A short text on this year’s theme

• A photo with a short explanation

• A video (max. 2 minutes) in English or with subtitles

• A drawing with a short description

Submit your entry by 15 October to [email protected] or via WhatsApp +32 471 84 41 54.

On 25 October, all contributions will be posted on IF’s official social media channels.
The entry with the most likes and reactions by 30 October will be declared the winner and featured on IF’s website, newsletter, and social media.