Latest news

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.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our founding father Björn Ründström. Björn was a pioneer of the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF) and will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt sympathy and thoughts are with his family and friends.

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.