Born too Soon: Providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place – World Prematurity Day 2019
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Each year, there are about 15 million babies around the world be born prematurely — or before 37 weeks of gestation each year.
Out of that number, about 1 million do not survive, despite the advancement in medical care. Prematurity remains the leading cause of death in children under five years.
In 2008, the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants and partnering European parent organisations have initiated World prematurity Day to be celebrated every 17th of November.
It is a global movement to raise awareness on the impact of premature birth and the challenges faced by their families.
“World Prematurity Day is an opportunity to call attention to the heavy burden of death and disability and the pain and suffering that preterm birth causes. It is also a chance to talk about solutions.”
The World Prematurity Day 2019 theme is “Born Too Soon: Providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place.”
The multitude of events organized around the globe on World Prematurity Day remain the heart of the effort. Each year, an increasing number of countries have observed World Prematurity Day by organizing national and local events, including public art installations, parliamentary hearings, health professional meetings, and marches.
