17 November is World Prematurity Day

World Prematurity Day is observed on 17 November each year to raise awareness of preterm birth challenges and shine a light on the risks and impacts faced by preterm infants and their families. Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, accounting for about one in 10 of all babies born worldwide.

This year’s World Prematurity Day global motto is “A parent’s embrace: a powerful therapy. Enable skin-to-skin contact from the moment of birth”. The claim was spread worldwide and more than 170 parent- and patient organisations, as well as medical societies and further supporting organisations, have joined forces to raise awareness for preterm birth and the benefits of infant- and family-centred developmental care.

The colour purple, which stands for sensitivity and exceptionality, is a symbol for World Prematurity Day. In Kyiv, Ukraine, bell tower of Saint Sophia Cathedral, Klitschko footbridge and shopping malls light up purple on 17 November.