November 17th Is World Prematurity Day - 1 in 10 Babies Is Born Prematurely

World Prematurity Day on 17 November is one of the most important days in the year to raise awareness of the challenges and burden of preterm birth globally.

The day was initiated by EFCNI and European parent organizations in 2008. In 2010, the US organization March of Dimes, the African organization LittleBigSouls, the Australian National Premmie Foundation, and EFCNI joined across continents to celebrate this special day.

Meanwhile, individuals and organizations from more than 100 countries join forces with activities, events, and commit to action to draw attention to the topic of preterm birth and improve the situation of preterm babies and their families.

This year, the global community celebrates World Prematurity Day under the motto: ‘Born too soon: providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place.’ Besides the color purple - which stands for sensitivity and exceptionality - the socksline has become the symbol for World Prematurity Day. The small pair of purple socks - framed by nine full-size baby socks - symbolizes: 1 in 10 babies is born preterm. Worldwide.

Babies born prematurely often have a weakened immune system, making them especially susceptible to sepsis.