WPD

(c) EFCNI: The Olympic tower in Munich is illuminated purple on WPD 2018

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. The international co-founders LittleBigSouls (Africa), March of Dimes (USA) and National Premmie Foundation (Australia) joined the celebrations and made World Prematurity Day an intercontinental movement. 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.

Everyone is warmly invited to join this day with activities or events: parent organisations, hospitals, non-profit organisations, healthcare professionals, societies, companies, politicians, media, and individuals. No matter how much time, money or manpower you are able to spare – even with simple things you can make a difference!

Besides the colour purple which stands for sensitivity and exceptionality, the socksline has become a symbol for World Prematurity Day. The small pair of purple socks – framed by nine full-size baby socks – symbolises: 1 in 10 babies is born preterm. Worldwide.

The global theme for World Prematurity Day 2024 is:

Over 13 million babies born too soon every year.
Access to quality care everywhere!

We are happy to provide you with our new campaigning material for World Prematurity Day 2024 soon.

We warmly thank the following parent and patient organisations, as well as national and international NGOs, healthcare- and research societies for supporting World Prematurity Day 2024!

Patient and parent organisations (in alphabetic order)

Collaborating international bilateral and multilateral agencies and NGOs

Collaborating national medical and research societies 

Research project partners 

Special thanks 

Moreover, we would like to thank our Platinum, Premium, Premium Project, and Silver Partners AstraZeneca, Chiesi, Nestlé Nutrition Institute, Sanofi, Baxter, DSM, GE HealthCare, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, and Prolacta Bioscience for supporting the creation of the EFCNI World Prematurity Day material.