25 October is World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day. This day brings people together worldwide to raise awareness of these two serious but often overlooked conditions. The day was established in 2011 by the IF (International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus) to raise awareness of the needs of those affected and their families and to improve their quality of life.
Although spina bifida and hydrocephalus affect millions of people worldwide, these conditions are largely unknown in countries such as Belgium. The incidence is much higher in the South, where access to medical care and prevention, such as folic acid supplementation, is often lacking. As a result, many affected children do not receive the necessary care and treatment.
WSBHD was created to draw attention to these often invisible but life-threatening conditions. It is not only intended to raise awareness among the public, health organisations and policymakers, but also to focus attention on daily support for those affected.
The day is an important platform for raising awareness of the social and medical challenges, stimulating political action and increasing pressure on governments to invest more in prevention and support.
World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day (WSBHD) was first held on 25 October 2012 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Since then, it has grown into an annual global event with the support of the WHO and the IF community.
In the years that followed, important initiatives were launched, such as the PUSH platform (2013), global campaigns on access to healthcare (2014-2015) and the establishment of the Global Prevention Initiative in Ghent (2016), officially opened by Princess Astrid. Themes varied from mental health (2017) t , personal testimonials (#mySBHlife, 2018) and the celebration of IF’s 40th anniversary (2019).
During the pandemic in 2020, the first international webinar took place, complemented by the #HappyWSBHD campaign. In 2021, a second webinar and global actions followed under the theme Unlock Your Right to Health. The 10th edition in 2022 was celebrated with the motto Elevate Your Voice and an international talent show.
In 2023, the focus was on accessibility and inclusion, with creative competitions shared worldwide. In 2024, the community gathered in Malaysia for the 30th International Conference, focused on bridging the gap between healthcare and prevention with the community at its heart.
This year’s theme, “Accelerate For Action”, emphasizes the urgent need for a society that not only recognizes the medical aspects of SBH but also values the dignity, voices and potential of every individual. The theme calls on governments, organizations and communities to ensure accessible healthcare, inclusive education and social participation for all.
Child-Help would like to thank all its partners for the events they are organising to celebrate this special day, including:
World SBH Day 2025 is more than just an awareness event – it is a call to action. Governments, healthcare providers, educators and community leaders must collaborate to break barriers, eliminate stigma and invest in services that improve the quality of life for persons with SBH. Families, advocates and allies are encouraged to raise their voices, share their stories, and join the movement for change.
In view of this, On 25th October 2025, let us unite under one voice: to ensure that individuals with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus are not left behind. By raising awareness and advocating for change, we can create a world where everyone has the right to health, dignity, and opportunity.
