The World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day was held for the first time on 25 October 2012 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Supported by the WHO, IF members from all over the world made this event a great success. On 25 October 2013 we celebrated the launch of our PUSH platform and met at the European Parliament in Brussels to discuss the importance of access to healthcare. This debate continued in 2014 and 2015 with campaigns and events all over the world. In 2016 the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus together with the Flemish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (VSH), Ghent University, and the Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent) organised the 27th International Conference on Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Turning Points. One of the highlights of this event was the official launch by HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium of the Global Prevention Initiative. In 2017 the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus celebrated WSBHD by an action connected to the mental health of people with these conditions. 

 

The 7th edition of WSBHD celebrated in 2018 was a great success thanks to the strong engagement of the SBH community: IF collected more than 60 testimonies both from people with SBH and their families and share them on social media using the hashtag #mySBHlife. We really encourage you to check the written testimonies and the videos! 

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In 2019, IF celebrated the WSBHD together with IF's 40th anniversary, the SBH community had a double celebration! We encourage you to watch the interviews of the 3 former IF's presidents and the material and activities developed for WSBHD 2020 by our members! 

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In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that did not allow any in-person meetings the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF) has organised the first ever international webinar for WSBHD. This webinar involved panelists from every country chapter, and discussions around the progress which has been achieved so far and ambitions for the future of the global SBH community were conducted. IF also launched the #HappyWSBHD challenge on social media, it is possible to find testimonies from individuals with SBH and messages for WSBHD by searching for the hashtags #HappyWSBHD and #WSBHD20 on Facebook and Twitter.

 

In 2021, the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF) together with worldwide members led an impactful awareness raising campaign on social media under the theme of “Unlock Your Right to Health”. On this occasion, IF organised the second international webinar with panelists from around the world. IF Member Associations set examples of successful and diverse campaigns such as advocacy activities on social media, advocacy in national parliaments, musical concerts, local conferences with healthcare professionals, experts and persons with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus and their families. 

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the World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day 2022 was a special highlight as it marked the 10th edition to raise global awareness together with YOU. It is very nice to see the many activities taking place in countries all around the world to “Elevate Your Voice”. On the occasion of the 10th edition of the WSBHD, IF launched a Talent Show where youth around the world showed their many talents in music, sports, and arts!

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For the WSBHD 2023 the focus was on Accessibility for All! Accessibility and inclusion are challenges frequently encountered by persons with SBH. With stigma, discrimination and lack of awareness creating further barriers to the full enjoyment of life. Special attention was given to the drawing, picture, video contest which made it a colorful global event!