IDDC

The International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF) is the worldwide umbrella organisation of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus associations. Created in 1979, IF's membership consists today of 41 regional and national umbrella organisations of people with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and their families. IF has intensive contact with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus associations and parent groups in over 50 countries, spread over five continents.

The mission of IF is to improve the quality of life of people with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus throughout the world and to decrease the prevalence of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus by primary prevention.

In order to prevent these disabilities, IF advocates for adequate intake of Folic Acid, by fortification, supplementation and awareness programmes.

IF encourages and enables the gathering and exchange of information between all stakeholders, because Knowledge is the Key to a Better Life.

In 1993, IF started its own projects in developing countries. Children with a disability are not a priority in the South. The same is true as far as developmental work is concerned. It is an ongoing process in which IF is trying to translate the latest knowledge of the North into realistic care for the South.

The goal of our program in the developing countries is primarily to prevent the disabilities and, for those born with the conditions, to promote the inclusion of people with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in society and to improve access to treatment, lifelong care and knowledge for people with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and their family/care takers.

IF aims to achieve its goals through the following objectives:

• Strengthening parent and user groups by professionalization of organisational structure and improving knowledge level

• Improving access to and knowledge of medical care and lifelong care for persons with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

• Promoting independence of youth and youth as advocates to peers, community, health organizations and authorities

• Social inclusion by improvement of access to education and training of the target group on daily life skills

• Improving preventive measures and access hereto in relation to occurrence of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, advancement of disability, social acceptance, etc.

Currently IF is working with several partners in various countries.

Contact details

International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF)
Cellebroersstraat 16
B-1000 Brussels
BELGIUM

Website: www.ifglobal.org

Tel: +32 (0)2 502 04 13

Contact person: Katalijne Van Diest