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IF joined the #ZeroCon24 in its mission to ensure zero barriers towards education. IF's Secretary General Dr Sylvia Roozen provided an Impulse Statement and moderated a session whereby Zero Project Awardees among others focussed on proven solutions that support disabled individuals in remote areas, focusing on early disorder detection and assistive devices. The session is broadcasted from the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria.

Each year in January the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF), together with partners across the world, celebrates the World Folic Acid Awareness Week (WFAAW). The WFAAW is a part of the IF Global Prevention Initiative (IFGPI), a campaign to raise awareness on how to reduce the prevalence of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) including Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, by promoting policies and actions to ensure that all pregnancies begin with enough folate to support the development of the foetus. By advocating for access to staple foods fortified with folic acid, folic acid supplements and foods rich in folate for all.

10 December 2023, Sunday | 11:15 – 12:30 GMT | Health Pavilion, Blue Zone, Thematic Arena 2, Building 89, Food and Health, Upper floor, Expo City Dubai

With a new IF statement, IF stands as a precursor with its long-time focus on rehabilitation. Indeed, almost thirty years ago, IF contacted the World Health Organization and proposed to work together for producing a guide for mid-level rehabilitation workers, to be used for children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH).

In an upcoming statement, IF calls for a greater awareness and urgent action towards the needs of persons with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH) in time of conflict and humanitarian crisis. According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), a humanitarian crisis includes man-made conflict, natural disasters or pandemics – or all of them. This raises concerns on human-rights and exacerbate pre-existing human rights vulnerabilities, especially for persons with disabilities.

On November 6 2023, Dr Sylvia Roozen - Secretary General of the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus emphasised in her keynote address the important role ICBDSR members have on surveillance research to inform NTD Prevention & Care.