World Prematurity Day aims to generate global attention

World Prematurity Day on 17 November is an event designed to raise awareness of the challenges of preterm birth for infants, families and societies around the globe.

Initiated by the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) and partnering parent organisations in 2008, the date for the event was chosen because on that day one of the founding members of EFCNI became proud father of a daughter after having lost his triplets due to preterm birth.

In 2010, the US organisation March of Dimes, the African organisation LittleBigSouls, the Australian National Premmie Foundation, and EFCNI joined together across continents to celebrate this special day. Meanwhile, countless individuals and organisations from about 100 countries now join forces with activities, or special events and call for cost-effective solutions for prevention and care of preterm births and for support for families who have experienced a preterm birth.

In the UK, Bliss the charity for babies born premature or sick, has taken part in the global initiative for the past four years. There are lots of ways you can support World Prematurity Day 2016 and help Bliss champion quality care for all premature babies. For more information, see www.bliss.org.uk/get-involved-with-world-prematurity-day