In the UAB Department of Neurosurgery, we recognize the critical importance of advocating for policies that promote equitable access to neurosurgical care and support the needs of neurosurgeons and patients worldwide. Through advocacy efforts, research and engagement with policymakers and international organizations, we aim to influence global health agendas, shape policy frameworks and advance initiatives that prioritize neurosurgical care as a fundamental component of universal healthcare.

GAPSBiF

The Global Alliance for the Prevention of Spina Bifida is a worldwide coalition co-founded by Jeffrey Blount, M.D., MPH, a professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine. GAPSBiF was formed from the goal of increasing awareness and advocating for the prevention of neural tube defects through large-scale food fortification by adding essential micronutrients to staple foods and condiments.

First neurosurgical-initiated resolution

At the 76th World Health Assembly Meeting, the World Health Organization voted to adopt a resolution on “Accelerating efforts for preventing micronutrient deficiencies and their consequences, including spina bifida and other neural tube defects (NTDs), through safe and effective fortification,” as the first-ever neurosurgical-initiated resolution to be adopted by the WHO.

WFNS Global Neurosurgery Committee

As a part of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies’ Global Neurosurgery Committee, James Johnston, M.D., is paving the way for accessible education, mentorship and skill acquisition in the neurosurgical field. Johnston leads the Technological Innovation Subcommittee, which aims to revolutionize the way neurosurgeons worldwide access comprehensive and evidence-based resources. By leveraging the power of technological innovation, the committee aims to establish strong global neurosurgical collaborations and foster enhanced connectivity.

As part of a new initiative from the WFNS and its Global Neurosurgery Committee, Committee Coordinator Tariq Khan, M.D., a neurosurgeon from Pakistan, has institutionalized the Global Neurosurgery Forum. The forum consists of two subgroups focused on the work that UAB represents.

1. Spina bifida prevention through folic acid fortification: implementation, research and awareness
2. Technology and innovation: focusing on communication strategies, such as InterSurgeon and other initiatives, that are advancing neurosurgical capacity through technology and innovation

Learn more.

Speaking Engagements

We believe in fostering dialogue, sharing insights and exchanging experiences with colleagues, partners, peers and stakeholders across the global neurosurgical community. Through speaking opportunities, we aim to drive meaningful impact by advocating for policies, initiatives, and practices that prioritize neurosurgical care, improve patient outcomes and promote health equity worldwide. Members of our team have been invited to speak on global initiatives by the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (Blount and Johnston, Gonzalez and Smith), the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (Blount), the Spina Bifida Association (Spina Bifida Program), the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pediatric Neurosurgery (Gonzalez and Smith, Rocque) and more.

Awards

Jeffrey P. Blount, M.D., MPH, professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, was awarded the Humanitarian Award by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) in May 2024. This award recognizes members of the AANS who have distinguished themselves through neurosurgical humanitarian activities, both domestically and abroad. Blount was honored with this prestigious award for his ongoing efforts in shaping the neurosurgical landscape and spina bifida community across the globe. Learn more.

mission:brain

mission:brain is a global nonprofit organization that aims to build a global community of neurosurgeons, students and patients to address health equity and improve access to neurosurgical care. The UAB chapter was founded in 2023. We aim to serve the global neurosurgical community and patients through service, advocacy, education and research driven initiatives.

For those interested in joining our group, supporting our current initiatives or proposing new projects, please contact Rishi Devulapalli (rkdevula@uab.edu) or Garrett Thrash (gthrash@uab.edu).

Find the UAB mission:brain chapter on social media:

• X (formerly known as Twitter): @mb_bham
• Instagram: @missionbrain_bham

Our Current Initiatives