World Prematurity Day on 17 November, is one of the most important days in the year to raise awareness for the challenges and burden of preterm birth on a global scale.
The day was initiated by the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) and partnering European parent organisations in 2008. The international co-founders LittleBigSouls (Africa), March of Dimes (USA) and National Premmie Foundation (Australia) joined the celebrations and made World Prematurity Day an intercontinental movement. Meanwhile, countless individuals and organisations from more than 100 countries join forces with activities, special events, and commit to action to help address preterm birth and improve the situation of preterm babies and their families.
Everyone is warmly invited to join this day with activities or events: parent organisations, hospitals, non-profit organisations, healthcare professionals, societies, companies, politicians, media, and individuals. No matter how much time, money or manpower you can spare – even with simple things you can make a difference!
Since 2017, an international advocacy group has been developing an annual joint World Prematurity Day motto.
Why the 17th November?
This date was chosen at the first international Parent Organisations Meeting in Rome, Italy in 2008. That day, one of the founding members of EFCNI became father of a daughter, after his wife had tragically lost triplets in a previous pregnancy due to preterm birth.
Why purple?
The purple colour in the visual identity stands for hope, exceptionality, encouragement, sensitivity, compassion and openness to help others. It has become a worldwide symbol colour for preterm birth and World Prematurity Day.
GLANCE is the global platform to gather information about World Prematurity Day events and activities, both past, and present and future.
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