I was part of Global Summit on Pelvic Health which was organized by World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems. It was 20 Anniversary. The topic of this meeting was Empowering Patients, Advancing Science.
This Summit was very important for all stakeholders: patient advocates, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers and industry parteners around the World, all united to share commitmment to improving the lives of people living with incontinence and pelvic conditions.
The inspiring presentations, engaging discussions and opportunities for collaboration throught the Summit reflected the strength of international community. I was moved when patients with incontinence talked about small difficulties which damaged their life like „you cant go to the cinema or just to the restaurant, or for walk because You allways think about toilet near to You.
I admired atmosphere of openess, collaboration and mutual learning.
There were many presentations which showed determination to advance awarness, better access to care, voice of patient. At the end of the conference it was presented Roma declaration.
To reaffirm a shared commitment to improving the lives of people living with incontinence and pelvic floor disorders worldwide. To call upon governments, healthcare systems, professional societies and stakeholders worldwide to commit to the following 8 priorities.
1. Recognise Continence Health as a Public Health Priority
Incontinence and pelvic floor disorders must be acknowledged as significant health conditions that impact:
- quality of life
- mental health
- social participation
- healthcare expenditure
2. Guarantee Timely and Early Access to Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Care
Every individual should have access to appropriate assessment, specialist expertise and effective treatment regardless of age, gender, geographical location or socioeconomic status.
3. Place Patients at the Centre of Decision-Making
Shared decision-making should become a standard component of continence care, ensuring that treatment choices reflect patients’ values, preferences and life goals, including individual choice regarding single-use medical devices.
4. Reduce Stigma Through Education and Awareness
National and international awareness initiatives should promote understanding of continence conditions and encourage people to seek help without fear, embarrassment or discrimination, including in situations of economic hardship.
Continence Awareness Week should be promoted annually in every country to increase awareness and support for people living with incontinence.
5. Support Innovation and Digital Health Solutions
Healthcare systems should facilitate the adoption of innovative technologies, digital tools and patient-centred solutions that improve outcomes, self-management and access to care, including the implementation of specific Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Assistance Pathways (DTAPs).
6. Promote Research and International Collaboration
Greater investment is needed in research, data collection and international partnerships to improve the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of pelvic floor disorders, including those related to oncological diseases.
7. Ensure Meaningful Patient Involvement in Policy Development
Patients and patient organisations must be recognised as equal partners in healthcare planning, policy development, research design and the evaluation of outcomes.
8. Strengthen the Global Network of Patient Associations
WFIPP and its partners should actively support the recruitment and development of patient associations worldwide, with the goal of establishing or supporting at least one organisation representing people living with urinary and/or faecal incontinence in every country and region of the world. Where such organisations do not yet exist, efforts should be made to facilitate their creation and long-term sustainability.
CARTA DI ROMA Looking Towards 2030
WFIPP commits to working alongside international organisations, scientific societies, healthcare professionals, policymakers and industry partners to advance these priorities and to build a future in which every person affected by incontinence or pelvic floor disorders receives timely, dignified and effective care.
Rome, Italy
26 June 2026
World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems (WFIPP)
