World Prematurity Day
15th 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 – Up to 27,000 babies are born prematurely in Australia each year. Giving birth to a child is one of the paramount, most positive experiences in life. Having a baby born too soon can lead to 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.
Beginning in 2026, World Prematurity Day will be observed on November 15.
This change was made as part of the process of officially incorporating World Prematurity Day into the WHO calendar and is now a Who recognised global health day.
Find ways to help support premature babies and their families this November.
What is World Prematurity Day?
World Prematurity Day on 15 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.
Small babies, big potential. Invest in follow-up care to protect their future!
This year's slogan highlights the importance of follow-up care for babies born too soon and reflects the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2026 focus on ensuring that preterm babies receive the care and support they need after leaving the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
View the message from The Hon. Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister of Australia here.
View the message from Dominic Perrottet MP, Premier of NSW here
The Hon. Mark McGowan MLA, Premier of Western Australia also shares his message of support. Read it here.
Previous World Prematurity Day hospital events in Australia:
- Bunbury Hospital, WA
- Caboolture Hospital, QLD
- Calvary Riverina Hospital, NSW
- Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, ACT
- Dubbo Base Hospital, NSW
- Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA
- Flinders Medical Centre, SA
- Frankston Hospital, VIC
- Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD
- Gosford Hospital, NSW
- 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
- Lyell McEwin Hospital, SA
- Mercy Hospital for Women, VIC
- Monash Children's Hospital, VIC
- Nepean Hospital, NSW
- Perth Children's Hospital, WA
- Redlands Hospital, QLD
- Rockhampton Hospital, QLD
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, QLD
- Royal Children's Hospital, VIC
- Royal Darwin Hospital, NT
- Royal Hobart Hospital, TAS
- Royal Hospital For Women, NSW
- Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW
- St John of God, Subiaco, WA
- Townsville University Hospital, QLD
- Wagga Wagga Hospital, NSW
- Westmead Hospital, NSW
- Wollongong Hospital, NSW
- Women's & Children's Hospital, SA
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