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Today we celebrate World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day. This policy brief calls for its recognition as an official United Nations International Day to raise global awareness, promote prevention through folic acid fortification, and advocate for inclusive policies and lifelong care. Such recognition would unite governments, civil society, and communities worldwide in advancing dignity, equity, and opportunity for all people living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Join us for the 31st International Conference on Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus October 15–17, 2026 in Montreal, Canada. You are warmly invited to take part in this global gathering of experts, advocates, and community members. Register today and secure your place in the conference program!

The 2024 Annual Report highlights significant achievements in advancing human rights, primary prevention, optimising care, raising awareness, and fostering international solidarity. A major milestone was the 30th International Conference on Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which focused on bridging gaps in healthcare and prevention through a community-centred, multidisciplinary approach.

Building on our previous successes in rehabilitation and prevention through food fortification, IF is pleased to see the adoption of the WHA Resolution on Rare Diseases. As a global community, we can look forward to the forthcoming actions by Member States to translate its commitments into meaningful change.

The Global Disability Summit (GDS) took place in Berlin from 2 to 3 April 2025, bringing together governments, civil society organisations, and international stakeholders to strengthen the inclusion of persons with disabilities in global development and humanitarian cooperation. The Global Disability Summit 2025 Concludes: IF Launches the Kuala Lumpur Declaration and Supports the Adoption of the Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion. Read the article here.

This week the Global Disability Summit (GDS) takes place in Berlin Germany. The GDS represents a pivotal opportunity to advance disability inclusion on a global scale. The active involvement and participation of civil society, particularly Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), is crucial to ensuring the Summit’s success.