World Prematurity Day
17th NOVEMBER
Highlighting the premature birth of 15 million babies each year worldwide.
Every year, 15 million babies are born premature worldwide. More than one million of these babies die, and many more face serious, lifelong health challenges. Preterm birth is truly a problem that can happen to every one of us, irrespective of the country we live in, our culture or socioeconomic status.
Worldwide, one in ten babies are born too early – around 27,000 each year in Australia alone. Giving birth to a child is one of the paramount, most positive experiences in life. Having a baby born too soon is a significant trauma for families. Preterm birth also represents a severe financial burden for many families and our often struggling healthcare systems.
Raising awareness of preterm birth is the first step to defeating it: Preterm birth rates could be significantly reduced and lowered through overall information and improved treatment and care.
November 17 is World Prematurity Day, a globally celebrated awareness day to increase awareness of preterm births as well as the deaths and disabilities due to prematurity and the simple, proven, cost-effective measures that could prevent them.
What is World Prematurity Day?
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 partnering European parent organisations in 2008. 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.
Previous World Prematurity Day hospital events in Australia:
- Armidale Hospital, NSW
- Campbelltown Hospital, NSW
- Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, ACT
- Fairfield Hospital, NSW
- Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA
- Frankston Hospital, VIC
- John Hunter Children's Hospital, NSW
- Joondalup Health Campus, WA
- King Edward Memorial Hospital, WA
- Launceston Hospital, TAS
- Lismore Base Hospital, NSW
- Liverpool Hospital, NSW
- Mercy Hospital for Women, VIC
- Monash Children's Hospital, VIC
- Nepean Hospital, NSW
- Orange Hospital, NSW
- Port Macquarie Hospital, NSW
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, QLD
- Royal Darwin Hospital, NT
- Royal Hobart Hospital, TAS
- Sunshine Coast University Hospital, QLD
- Townsville University Hospital, QLD
- Wagga Wagga Hospital, NSW
- Wollongong Hospital, NSW
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