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IF welcomes the WHO Consultation for the updated version on the Assistive Products Priority List (APL), in particular that it acknowledges catheters, and related accessories, as essential assistive products for persons living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH).

The Clinical Patient Management System, or CPMS for short, is a secure web-based tool via which allows multidisciplinary teams of experts across the European Union to discuss individual cases involving rare or low prevalence complex diseases or conditions.

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.

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.

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).