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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.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the publication of the updated pediatric urological guidelines addressing key challenges in the care of children and adolescents with Spina Bifida. IF calls upon all relevant medical specialists to endorse and implement the principles outlined in these new guidelines.

On January 7, 2025, IF held a webinar ‘Leaving No One Behind’, dedicated to World Folic Acid Awareness Week, that provided invaluable expertise and experience from the public, private, and civic sector representatives. The theme “Leaving No One Behind” emphasised the importance of ensuring efforts to prevent Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) are sustained and maternal health outcomes are inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their geographic location, socioeconomic status, or level of awareness.

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].