IF Annual Report 2025 is now available!

19 June 2026

The International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF) is proud to continue working alongside its members and partners worldwide, all committed to improving the lives of individuals with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH) and their families. In a context where inequalities in health and social systems persist, IF remains focused on ensuring that limited resources are used effectively and where they are needed most.

The 2025 Annual Report reflects a year of steady progress in advancing human rights, strengthening prevention efforts, improving access to quality care, increasing awareness, and reinforcing global collaboration. Throughout the year, IF continued to build momentum across its strategic priorities, supporting members through capacity-building activities, consultations, and knowledge exchange.

A key focus in 2025 was strengthening engagement across the global SBH community. This included a series of webinars and awareness initiatives linked to international advocacy moments such as World Folic Acid Awareness Week and World Birth Defects Day, bringing together professionals, advocates, individuals with SBH, and families to share knowledge and lived experience. These exchanges helped reinforce the importance of prevention, early intervention, and inclusive, person-centred care.

IF also continued to support global dialogue through its ongoing advocacy work and technical contributions, including statements and consultations on key issues affecting the SBH community, such as access to healthcare, education, and assistive technologies, as well as mental health and wellbeing. Collaboration with members and partners remained central, helping to strengthen regional networks and foster shared learning across different contexts.

Youth engagement and cross-regional collaboration further developed in 2025, with increased participation from young advocates and member organisations contributing to discussions, initiatives, and community-building efforts. These connections continue to strengthen the global SBH movement and ensure that lived experience remains at the heart of IF’s work.

IF is deeply grateful for the continued trust, commitment, and collaboration of its members, partners, volunteers, and supporters. Their dedication remains essential to advancing inclusion, improving care, and strengthening rights for people living with SBH around the world.

Looking back on 2025, we are encouraged by the resilience and engagement of our community, and we look forward to continuing this shared journey of progress in the year ahead.