Introduction

IF has contributed to thrusting back the frontiers of knowledge for the treatment of Hydrocephalus. IF's first contribution was to introduce the inexpensive Indian Chhabra shunt for the treatment of Hydrocephalus in developing countries. IF Expert Dr B. Warf published his  comparative study between an American and the Indian Chhabra shunt in the Journal for Paediatric Neurosurgery. No difference in outcome was noted between the two shunts and this opened the door for treatment of Hydrocephalus in poor countries.

As Medical Director and Chief of Surgery at the CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda Dr Warf developed an achievable neurosurgical program for the treatment of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Neurosurgical techniques like ETV/CPC were improved and resulted in the iPATH Program. This training program transfers the results obtained in Uganda to other countries and regions.

Guidelines and Protocols

IF has, in cooperation with its experts, developed a number of guidelines and protocols on the treatment of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, adapted to the local circumstances in the South:

• Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida management guidelines for district hospitals
  ( English version,  French version,  Spanish version)
• Hydrocephalus management guidelines for district hospitals
  ( English version,  French version,  Spanish version)
• Strategy for treatment of Hydrocephalus in developing countries
  ( English version,  French version,  Spanish version,  Vietname version)
• MMC-SB management protocol for developing countries ( English version)
• IF theatre protocol ( English version)
• IF statement use Chhabra shunt
  ( English version,  French version,  Spanish version)
• IF protocol for testing shunt valves
  ( English version,  French version,  Spanish version)
• IF list basic shunting set ( English version)