World Prematurity Day 2020: Together for Babies Born Too Soon – Caring for the Future
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. Initiated by EFCNI and European parent organizations in 2008 and joined by the US organization March of Dimes, the African organization LittleBigSouls, and the Australian National Premmie Foundation in 2010, individuals and organizations from across the world now join forces with activities and events to draw attention to the topic of preterm birth and improve the situation of preterm babies and their families.
The symbol for World Prematurity Day is the socksline. The small pair of purple socks - framed by nine full-size baby socks - symbolizes: 1 in 10 babies is born preterm. Worldwide.
This year’s global World Prematurity Day motto is “World Prematurity Day 2020: Together for babies born too soon – Caring for the future”, highlighting that investing in the care of this vulnerable patient group is an investment in the future generation. With worldwide approximately 15 million babies being born preterm each year, this would be a stand to improve the lives of many children and their families.
Babies born prematurely often have a weakened immune system, also they are more likely to receive intensive medical treatment, making them especially susceptible to sepsis.
The article above was written by Sarah Fuegenschuh, Head of Communications, EFCNI. Thanks, Sarah!