Events and Activities
World Prematurity Day 2024
On 17 November 2024, the global community united once again to mark World Prematurity Day under the theme, “Over 13 million babies born too soon every year. Access to quality care everywhere!” This year’s theme highlighted the urgent need to ensure equitable access to essential care for preterm babies and their families, regardless of geography or circumstances.
From illuminating landmarks to hosting webinars, storytelling campaigns, hospital visits, and countless social media initiatives, the day saw remarkable engagement from individuals, organisations, and healthcare professionals worldwide.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the World Prematurity Day Coordinating Committee for their invaluable efforts in guiding and supporting this year’s activities. We also thank every individual and organisation who participated, raising vital awareness and driving meaningful action for preterm and sick newborns.
Together, we continue to shine a light on the smallest and most vulnerable members of our communities, advocating for the care they deserve!
For a detailed overview of the wide range of events organised and celebrated by parent organisations, hospitals, medical societies, corporate supporters, and individuals for World Prematurity Day, please explore our event summary by clicking the button below. Kindly note that the list is continuously updated, and your event may not be included yet.
World Prematurity Day 2023
This year’s World Prematurity Day global motto is “small actions BIG IMPACT:immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere”. The claim was spread worldwide and around 200 parent- and patient organisations, as well as medical societies and further supporting organisations, have joined forces to raise awareness for preterm birth and the benefits of Infant- and family-centred developmental care.
Practices such as Kangaroo Mother Care and skin-to-skin contact from the very beginning of life of baby born preterm, have a tremendous effect on health outcomes and need to be promoted and supported in neonatal care.
We would like to thank the World Prematurity Day Coordinating Committee for their planning efforts and their contributions.
Also, we would like to thank each and everyone who has used their voice, their man- or woman power, to create awareness for preterm birth.
Your effort means so much to preterm-born babies, their parents and families, and professionals in neonatal care.
A selection of World Prematurity Day activities in 2023
Thank you to everyone for sharing their wonderful activities with us.
Here, we present a selection of worldwide events – the list will be continuously updated until the end of the year.
EFCNI
World Prematurity Day Chat #WPD23Chat
The day before World Prematurity Day, EFCNI once again hosted the traditional WPD chat on X, as in previous years. A series of questions is being tweeted during one hour and everyone is welcome to join in the conversation. This year we managed to reach over 120k accounts.
#MyPretermStory
With this social media activity we encouraged parents of preterm born babies, or adults who were born preterm, to share their story. Anyone who felt like joining could use a special picture frame to post a picture of them, or their child or themselves with their child and add a few personal words. #MyPretermStory wants to show other families that are on a similar journey at the moment, that they are not alone💜
First Scientific Preemie Live Chat
On the occasion of this year’s World Prematurity Day motto, small actions BIG IMPACT: immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everwhere, our partner organisation, the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation (CPBF), hosted their first scientific preemie chat. The chat format posed the controvesrial question: In infants born less than 26 weeks, do you practice early skin-to-skin care within the first 72 hours as the WHO recommendations suggest? EFCNI Chairwoman Silke Mader had the honour of moderating this discussion panel together with Dr. Souvik Mitra.
A recording of the chat is available via CPBF’s YouTube channel.
For a comprehensive overview of the large variety of events hosted and celebrated by parent organisations, hospitals, medical societies, corporate supporters and individuals, on behalf of World Prematurity Day, please consult the overview of events and click on the button below. Please note that the compilation of events is an ongoing process and your event might not be listed yet.
World Prematurity Day 2022
This year’s World Prematurity Day global motto is “A parent’s embrace: a powerful therapy. Enable skin-to-skin contact from the moment of birth“. The claim was spread worldwide and more than 170 parent- and patient organisations, as well as medical societies and further supporting organisations, have joined forces to raise awareness for preterm birth and the benefits of Infant- and family-centred developmental care. Practices such as Kangaroo Mother Care and skin-to-skin contact from the very beginning of a preterm born baby’s life have a tremendous effect on health outcomes and need to be promoted in neonatal care.
We would like to thank the World Prematurity Day Coordinating Committee for their planning efforts and their contributions.
A selection of World Prematurity Day activities in 2022
We would like to thank everyone for sharing their wonderful activities for World Prematurity Day 2022 with us. We highly appreciate each and every contribution that raises awareness and helps us work towards quality care for all babies born preterm.
Here, we present a selection of worldwide events – the list will be continuously updated until the end of the year.
EFCNI
In preparation for World Prematurity Day and to deepen the globale motto, the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation (CPBF), the Brazilian parent organisation Prematuridade, and EFCNI organised a joint Live Q&A session on the benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care and its implementation in clinical settings with two proven KMC experts. A recording of the session is available via the button below.
On the occasion of World Prematurity Day, the WHO launched their new recommendations for the care of preterm and low birth weight infants. This webinar provided a rich panel discussion featuring country speakers and global partners speaking about the new recommendations, including our very own chairwoman, Silke Mader, who had the great opportunity to shed more light on the situation of parents.
As in the previous year, we wanted to raise our voices for the 15 million babies that are born preterm each year – worldwide and together with our incredible network, sent out a message of hope and gratitude to all parents of preemies, and the many committed healthcare professionals in the NICUs. Thousands of parents and former preterms joined us on Facebook and Instagram and celebrated their personal #NICUheroes
Silke Mader, EFCNI’s Chairwoman of the Executive Board, had the pleasure to be joining the Live Preemie Chats. During the event the participants talked about the importance of skin-skin-to-skin contact from the moment of birth, shared the results of a study about uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact for stable preterm infants after birth, discussed how to reduce stress and worry as a parent, and went through a mother’s experience with two premature babies within two years.
You can still watch the video of their conversation: View more
For a comprehensive overview of the large variety of events hosted and celebrated by parent organisations, hospitals, medical societies, corporate supporters and individuals, on behalf of World Prematurity Day, please consult the overview of events and click on the button below. Please note that the compilation of events is an ongoing process and your event might not be listed yet.
World Prematurity Day 2021
This year’s World Prematurity Day global motto is “Zero Separation. Act now! Keep parents and babies born too soon together”. The claim was spread worldwide and more than 170 parent- and patient organisations, as well as medical societies and further supporting organisations, have joined forces to raise awareness for preterm birth and the impact the pandemic has on neonatal care.
We would like to thank the World Prematurity Day Coordinating Committee for their planning efforts and their contributions.
A selection of World Prematurity Day activities in 2021
We would like to thank everyone for sharing their wonderful activities for World Prematurity Day 2021 with us. We highly appreciate each and every contribution that raises awareness and helps us work towards quality care for all babies born preterm. Here, we present a selection of worldwide events – the list will be continuously updated until the end of the year.
EFCNI
© Ana Tablas / Unsplash
Our Commentary in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, “Zero separation: infant and family-centred developmental care in times of COVID-19” was published on the occasion of World Prematurity Day. We call for a holistic approach to infant- and family-centred developmental care and the implementation of a zero separation policy to keep parents and their babies together.
On the occasion of World Prematurity Day, the #newborntoolkit for small and sick newborn care, developed under the lead of Nest360 and Unicef and supported by EFCNI and GLANCE, was successfully launched in a live webinar. We are proud to have contributed to this important project that works toward improving our vulnerable, hospitalised infants’ health.
Silke Mader, EFCNI’s Chairwoman of the Executive Board, and her son Lukas stopped by “Hallo Hebamme” (“Hello Midwive”), a project heralded by Anja Stern and Marie Kuon, two midwives based in Heidelberg. In an Instagram Live session, Silke and Lukas Mader talked about their family’s experience with preterm birth, what motivates their work on behalf babies born too soon, and World Prematurity Day.
You can still watch the video of their conversation: View more
For a comprehensive overview of the large variety of events hosted and celebrated by parent organisations, hospitals, medical societies, corporate supporters and individuals, on behalf of World Prematurity Day, please consult the overview of events and click on the button below.
Global Motto 2020: Together for babies born too soon – Caring for the future
For the fourth time, we, in collaboration with the global World Prematurity Day Coordinating Committee, developed a global theme: “World Prematurity Day 2020: Together for babies born too soon – Caring for the future”. The claim was spread worldwide and more than 140 parent- and patient organisations, as well as medical societies and further supporting organisations, have joined forces to raise awareness for preterm birth.
We would like to thank the World Prematurity Day Coordinating Committee for their planning efforts and their contributions. The World Prematurity Day Coordinating Committee includes the following organisations in alphabetical order: EFCNI, including the EFCNI Parent Advisory Board, GLANCE; Jhpiego; LittleBigSouls; March of Dimes; National Premmie Foundation; Prematuridade; Project Concern International (PCI); Save the Children; UNICEF; USAID; White Ribbon Alliance; WHO; World Vision
A selection of World Prematurity Day activities in 2020
Warm thanks to everyone for sharing all these wonderful activities for World Prematurity Day 2020 with us. We highly appreciate each and every contribution that raises awareness and helps us work towards quality care for all babies born preterm. Here, we present a selection of worldwide events – the list will be continously updated until the end of the year.
EFCNI
The European Standards of Care for Newborn Health are available in Italian 
Today also marked the day that the first Italian translations of the European Standards of Care for Newborn Health (ESCNH) were published on the ESCNH project website. Translating the Standards into different languages is integral to raising awareness and educating people as to why their implementation is so necessary for advancing care and treatment of preterm and ill newborn babies across Europe. Thank you to the Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN) and Vivere ONLUS, the Italian National Coordination of Parents’ Associations, for their help in bringing this translation about.
A message of support, hope, and gratitude – the EFCNI photo challenge 
To raise awareness for preterm birth and to send out a message of hope and gratitude to all parents of preemies and to our powerful and supportive global network of parent organizations, we launched the How it started – How it’s going photo challenge. Parents and adults born preterm shared their story, each of them so special and heartwarming.
Silke Mader as speaker at the Global Health Lecture of LSHTM-Charité “Preterm births in a COVID19 world”
©LSHTM
On World Prematurity Day EFCNI chairwoman Silke Mader gave a presentation at the Global Health Lecture of LSHTM-Charité – a lecture focusing on the effects of COVID19 on deliveries and neonatal health worldwide.
International
Premstem: The Barcelona based research partner of EFCNI, an international collective of clinicians and researchers, has promoted awareness for preterm birth on their social media accounts, highlighting the risk of preterm babies to suffer from encephalopathy of prematurity, a serious condition characterised by impairment of brain function. Also, some team members have gathered – separately due to distancing obligation – for a photo flashmob to support World Prematurity Day.
RECAP Preterm: The EU -Horizon2020 -funded project Research on European Children and Adults born Preterm (RECAP preterm) supported this year’s World Prematurity Day to emphasise their commitment for preterm children and their families. With an article on their project page, they informed about the need to act on behalf of preterm born children. Also, they engaged on social media to support and spread the message “World Prematurity Day 2020, Together for babies born too soon – Caring for the future”.
Australia
Miracle Babies Foundation: The foundation has been promoting the launch of two research surveys about pain-reducing strategies for care procedures in the NICU and about paid parental leave schemes in Australia. Also, in honour of World Prematurity Day, The Prime Minister, Hon. Scott Morrison, has shared an important message, to help raise awareness and ongoing support for families in Australia impacted by prematurity and sickness. Moreover, World Prematurity Day was also celebrated by Light Up Purple on Australian buildings and landmarks across the country. The New South Wales Health Minister and local MP sent out a video message, numerous radio interviews and grabs on the topic of prematurity were aired; The organisation also hosted a Facebook Live with their Chairwomen, Melinda Cruz and Kylie Pussel. Additionally, several of their corporate partners and community hosted fundraising campaigns on their behalf.
Helping little hands: The charity organisation, together with the CAHS Neonatology team based at King Edward Memorial Hospital, hosted a special event for current and graduate NICU families and the amazing medical teams that look after them. A local bakery donated purple coloured cupcakes for the event.
Belgium
Vlaamse Vereniging voor Ouders van Couveusekinderen (VVOC): The parent organisation organised a surprise package for parents and babies who are staying in one of the 80 neonatal units in Belgium and handed them over a unique present from the VVOC. They also engaged in the photo challenge on social media and additionally, shared the message that parents and babies at the NICU may not be separated, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, to promote the presence, love and proximity of the parents at the NICU. Moreover, several newspapers published about World Prematurity day! And last but not least the big Ghelamco Arena was lit in purple light!
Brazil
Hospital Da Mulher Do Recife: The staff of the neonatal unit of Hospital Da Mulher Do Recife dressed in purple and celebrated the day with mothers and their preterm babies.
ONG Prematuridade: Multiple buildings were lit in purple light. Including the Estadio Beira-Rio, Planalto Palace, Supreme Court and National Congress.
Canada
Canadian Premature Babies Foundation (CPBF): On the occasion of World Prematurity Day, the Canadian foundation launched Preemie Power Week from 16 – 20 November, where they invited experts to share their insights on caring for premature babies. The expert talks were screened free of charge on social media; In collaboration with the global illumination project, CPBF encouraged the illumination of 28 landmarks across the country with purple light to honour preterm babies and their families on 17 November.
Cyprus
Mora Thavmata (Miracle Babies): The foundation posted on Facebook and Instagram to raise awareness. Moreover, Mora Thavmata organised with sponsors the delivery of gifts and equipment to the NICU of a regional hospital. They also illuminated in purple several important landmarks on Cyprus.
Thermokoitida Agapis: The foundation posted on its social media channels Facebook and Instagram to raise awareness for preterm birth. It asked families to share their experiences with having a baby born too soon.
Denmark
Aarhus University Hospital: The helicopter landing platform of the Aarhus University Hospital was illuminated in purple. The Unit communicated on their social media channels the importance of taking care of the baby’s and the parents’ physical and mental well-being after preterm birth.
Egypt
The Egyptian Society of Members of the Royal College of Pediatrics: The Egyptian Society of Members of the Royal College of Pediatrics, chaired by Dr. Abla Alfi, organized a marathon entitled “We will run for premature children” in cooperation between the Association, the Magdi Yacoub Foundation, The Society of International Telemed and the Haya Egypt Fund to celebrate World Prematurity Day 2020.
Estonia
Nõmme Kultuurikeskus: The local culture centre Nõmme Kultuurikeskus was illuminated in purple to celebrate World Prematurity Day.
France
SOS Préma: The parent organisation hosted a free webinar about preterm birth with lots of room for questions from the audience. It also posted on Twitter and Facebook to commemorate the day and raise awareness.
Germany
Bundesverband das frühgeborene Kind e.V.: The German federal association launched the multimedia story “Mia’s story”. The aim of this tool is to raise public awareness and to draw attention to the special needs of premature babies and their families. A dedicated website invites you to scroll through “Mia’s story”. The story is available in English and German. Besides this, the association also ran a book giveaway on their social media accounts.
Charité: On the occasion of World Prematurity Day, the Charité participates in the worldwide light campaign “Light it up purple!”. On November 17, the south side at the Charité Bettenhaus Mitte was illuminated in purple. In addition, the gasometer at the EUREFcampus shines in purple light. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the challenges and needs of premature babies and their families. Additionally, EFCNI chairwoman Silke Mader gave a presentation at the Global Health Lecture of LSHTM-Charité – a lecture focusing on the effects of COVID19 on deliveries and neonatal health worldwide.
Hospital Hanau & Foundation Sterntaler: This year the Hospital Hanau and the Foundation Sterntaler illuminated the Goldschmiedehaus in Hanau in purple. Last year the castle Philippsruhe in Hanau was lit in purple and this year it was the turn of the Goldschmiedehaus to spread awareness of premature birth.
Hamm/Evangelisches Krankenhaus Hamm: The Evangelisches Krankenhaus Hamm organised several activities on behalf of World Prematurity Day, even under pandemic circumstances, considering the required precautions. They launched a photo campaign where children born preterm and their parents could contribute with now and then pictures. The hospital also set up a video interview with a former patient who was born prematurely himself. In addition, the city of Hamm illuminated numerous prestigious buildings in purple. These included the central station and other cultural sites.
Marburg: The city of Marburg illuminated the Erwin Piscator House, a central building in Marburg, for World Prematurity Day,” The town’s Mayor Dr. Thomas Spies highlighted “Our solidarity and solidarity goes out to the very young, the parents and also the professionals who work every day to give children a good start in life”. Thanks also go to the event technicians of EPH, who implemented the lighting.
Uniklinik Würzburg: The building of Uniklinik Würzburg was lit in purple light.
Greece
Elena Venizelos Hospital: The staff of the Elena Venizelos hospital celebrated World Prematurity Day by covering preterm babies with superhero costumes to symbolise their strengths in their early days of life.
ilitominon: The organisation collaborated with the NICU staff of the “Elena Hospital” and, in a symbolic gesture, tucked in the premature babies with superhero blankets. Meanwhile, the mothers who were allowed to be in the NICU in order to provide Kangaroo care and to breastfeed their babies recorded short videos in support of the “Zero Separation” campaign. In addition, on Saturday, 21 November, the organisation held a webinar on Family-Centred Developmental Care. The webinar addressed both parents and health professionals, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of FCDC and the challenges that NICUs have to overcome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, Omonia square in the center of Athens lit up in purple its iconic fountain to celebrate World Premature Day, sending a message of hope to every family with a premature baby. Lastly, ilitominon sent small packages with knitted blankets, caps and socks as well as cards with wishes to NICUs in several cities in Greece.
University Hospital of Patras: Professor Gabriel Demetriou and the staff of the University Hospital of Patras took a group photo for Facebook holding the caps, hearts and cards with their wishes for preterm babies.
Guyana
Pôle Femme Enfant du CHC (CHC’s Woman Child Center): The CHC’s Woman Child Center in Guyana organised an information day with workshops about breastfeeding and milk pumping. The neonatal resuscitation team also held a presentation to ensure that parents know what to do, in case of an emergency.
Hungary
Melletted a Helyem Egyesület – Right(s) Beside You Association: As a novelty this year, the Statue of Liberty in Budapest and the main building of the University of Debrecen as well as the building of the University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology was illuminated in purple, drawing attention to the importance of supporting premature babies and their families. Thanks to the organisation’s many volunteers, many other buildings around the country were lit up purple as well. Every year, the organisation holds a competition in honour of World Prematurity Day aimed at healthcare professionals working in neonatal intensive care units. This year’s theme was “Patientcentred discharge of an extreme preterm baby and family from the NICU”. The winning application was written by Dr. Dorottya Csirinyi, PIC employee of MH MH. The submission can be read on the organisation’s website. The purple cookie campaign, which was supported by Ganache, the Szőke Cukrászdák in Debrecen, and Azur Cake in Miskolc, created very delicious purple miracles in honour of preterm babies. Cookies could be ordered for personal consumption or for family members as well as nurses and neonatologists working in NICUs! With this campaign, the pastry shops directly donated to and supported the organisation.
Indonesia
Premature Indonesia: In Commemoration of World Prematurity Day 2020 Premature Indonesia held several Webinars on the topics of monitoring the infants development and preterm babies eye health. Additionally, they made a Wall of Fame of former preterm babies, by posting their stories on Instagram.
Iraq
Al Basrah Hospital for Women and Children: The hospital celebrated World Prematurity Day by holding a lecture for parents about risk factors for preterm delivery and educated them about how to care for their premature baby at home. Parents also received a brochure and the hospital was decorated in purple colours.
Ireland
Cork University Maternity Hospital: In recognition of World Prematurity Day, the hospital was illuminated in purple. It also produced a video on preterm birth and published it on social media.
INHA: INHA already participated in the Twitter chat the day before World Prematurity Day and helped create momentum on social media. On World Prematurity Day itself, INHA organised a national symposium for healthcare professionals and families. It was hosted virtually and attended by over 260 people. Moreover, INHA organized an international webinar on the European Standards of Care and invited EFCNI’s Silke Mader to be the opening speaker. The webinar focused on Infant and Family Centred Developmental Care and Follow-Up Care. INHA also joined the global community on Facebook and Instagram in completing the photo challenge and published “Journeys of Prematurity” on Facebook and Instagram. In addition, INHA used the day to launch seven Pledge Cards which were designed specifically for friends and families who want to support families with preterm infants. The cards are available in all NICUs and free for download.
All over Ireland: Over 50 Irish landmarks were illuminated in purple for World Prematurity Day and several Irish NICUs hosted public exhibitions to raise awareness for preterm birth.
Italy
Clinica Mangiagalli: On World Prematurity Day the facade of the Mangiagalli Clinic in Milan was tinged with purple, to show the premature babies and their parents that they are not alone.
Vivere Onlus: The European Standards Of Care for Newborn Health were translated into Italian and the first two topics have been published on World Prematurity Day: “Care procedures” and “Infant- and family-centred care”. This was initiated by the synergy between SIN – Italian Society of Neonatology and Vivere Onlus.
Kazakhstan
Club 28 Petel: On World Prematurity Day in Kazakhstan and other countries, the parent organisation “Club 28 Petel” congratulated doctors and nurses. In the evening, with their initiative, in honour of the World Prematurity Day, the capital city Nur-Sultan lit up in purple lights.
Bezkat: The organisation participated in the “Helping Hand” campaign and delivered social packages to all perinatal centres in Nur-Sultan city. It also held a conference dedicated to World Prematurity Day where the Commissioner of UNICEF participated, a neonatologist who also works for the foundation. Moreover, Prof. Bakdaulet, a neonatologist, gave an interview on preterm birth.
Kenya
County Government of Bomet: The County Government of Bomet honoured World Prematurity Day 2020 by raising awareness and spreading knowledge about concrete care practices like kangaroo care at Tarakwa Village.
Malaysia
Ipoh City Council: Showing solidarity with Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, the Ipoh City Council lighted up the Sultan Yussuf Roundabout and Ipoh Town Hall in purple from 8pm until midnight on World Prematurity Day 2020.
Mexico
Con Amor Venceras: The parent organisation Con Amor Venceras took part in the EFCNI How it started – How it’s going photo challenge on social media.
The Netherlands
Care4Neo: The organisation teamed up with the Neonatology Department of ErasmusMC and held a photo competition. People were asked to send in a creative photo with a sock in it, the idea being that the small socks would draw attention to the fact that 1 in 10 babies is born preterm worldwide. They then showed all pictures on social media. The organisation also developed a poster to raise awareness and distributed it to over 75 neonatal units across the country, just like the parent magazine “Kleine Maats” which aims to support, inform, and empower parents with information and case histories. Many volunteers helped to craft over 1.700 good luck charms and distributed goodie bags and messages of hope and support. The organisation also cooperated with Daelmans Stroopwafels to offer sweet waffles with purple sprinkles to over 2.000 healthcare professionals and other purple sweets to parents in hospitals across the country.
The Republic of Northern Macedonia
Lulka: Lulka organised a World Prematurity Day Round table with parents, health care professionals, the Minister of health from the Government and Lulka respresentatives. They talked about the challenges of premature birth, better outcomes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Norway
Prematurforeningen: Like last year, many buildings in Norway were illuminated in purple to celebrate World Prematurity Day 2020. Some of these buildings were the City Bridge in Stavanger, the Kongsvinger Fortress and the Skoringen in Tromsø.
Poland
Fundacja Koalicja dla wcześniaka: The foundation asked Polish graphic and poster designer Andrzej Pągowski to prepare graphics in tribute to all doctors, neonatal nurses and parents of preterm babies. Pągowski designed a tulip with a baby in its center, surrounded by hands which symbolize every person who cares for preterm babies every day. His design was sent out to neonatal centres across Poland and also prominently displayed on a mural in Warsaw. What is more, the foundation organized an online press conference about COVID-19 and the call for “Zero Separation” as well as the dangers of RSV. Even the Polish television channel TVP reported on World Prematurity Day and the foundation gave many interviews to journalists throughout the day. All in all, there were over 450 publications and radio and television broadcasts about the mural, RSV, and World Prematurity Day.
Portugal
XXS – Associação Portuguesa de Apoio ao Bebé Prematuro: In a year quite different than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, XXS launched the initiative “XXS Talks” for digitally reaching all those related to premature birth. It gave a virtual hug to all parents and health care professionals in the NICU and it had the pleasure of participating in the Twitter Chat # WPD00chat organized by @EFCNIwecare. XXS also symbolically started distributing more than 5,000 materials from the campaign “XXS-XXL, Pequeno no Tamanho, Grande no Coração 2019-20” (national campaign for the handmade production of beanies and booties for babies born too soon distributed to all Portuguese NICUs) and it launched an illustration challenge to all premature children and their siblings. It also posted on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to celebrate the day and raise awareness.
Romania
Unu și Unu: This year, the Romanian government established World Prematurity Day as national holiday, following an initiative by the National Association of Neonatology. Unu și Unu has also submitted to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate statements on the challenges faced by preterm babies and their families. The organisation participated in the global “how it started – how it’s going” foto challenge. It also organized two online get-togethers, in which parents and healthcare professionals could meet, talk about their experiences, ask questions, and express gratitude for each other. It also included the opportunity for new parents of preterm babies to ask older and experiences families and professionals for advice and support. Unu și Unu has also joined the “Zero Separation” campaign and advocates on behalf of families separated in the hospital because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Africa
Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal: An event at a hospital in Kwa-Zulu-Natal took place, where they celebrated this special day with cake and practiced kangaroo care with mothers of premature babies.
Preemie Connect: The parent organisation actively supported Prematurity Awareness Month as well as World Prematurity Day. Therefore they hosted a Facebook Live Talk Series throughout the month of November which included talks with ex-preemies, parents of premature children, a lactation consultant who was also a trained dietician, a paediatrician and a neonatal nurse. Although due to the pandemic, there were no in-person events, it was possible to donate goodie bags to a few hospitals.
Rob Ferreira Hospital: Health Professionals at Rob Ferreira Hospital hosted moms of premature babies to encourage them to be hopeful and confident about their babies regardless of challenges they are confronted with on a daily basis.
Spain
Hospital Universitario Marchés de Valdecilla: The Hospital Universitario Marchés de Valdecilla celebrated this special day with their staff and stated that they are committed to constant training to incorporate scientific advances into their neonatolgy unit.
Taiwan
Premature Baby Foundation of Taiwan: Across Taiwan, famous landmarks in seven citities were illuminated in purple to raise awareness for preterm birth. Moreover, the foundation organized a “virtual lighting” on Facebook to illustrate the love for and caring of preterm babies.
Ukraine
Early Birds: To celebrate World Prematurity Day 2020, a bridge in Ukraine was lit in purple light. Additionally, the Ealy Birds Foundation held a press conference dedicated to this special day.
United Arab Emirates
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City: The NICU of the Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City celebrated World Prematurity Day with purple balloons and cake. To further mark the day, the staff was wearing purple masks.
United Kingdom
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT): To mark World Prematurity Day, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) invited people to join teams from NICU and the Acute Neonatal Transfer Service (ANTS) at the Rosie Hospital as they discuss the impact that donations are having on these incredible hospital departments, enabling improved care, and providing vital support to families during COVID-19. The seminar was an opportunity to learn about how ACT are working with these departments to ensure that all babies have access to ANTS and that the NICU is able to give every baby a fighting chance.
Meadowhall: Meadowhall raised awareness for World Prematurity Day 2020 by illuminating their building to show their support and solidarity.
Cosmic Charity at St Mary’s Hospital & Queen Charlotte’s Hospital: The Cosmic Charity at St Mary’s Hospital & Queen Charlotte’s Hospital celebrated World Prematurity Day and thanked all staff working through the on-going pandemic, including all of Nurses, Doctors, AHPS, Technicians, Ward Clerks, HCA’s and Cleaners.
University Hospitals Birmingham Charity: University Hospitals Birmingham Charity launched its new prematurity packs on World Prematurity Day that will help parents during their time in the Neonatal Unit at Heartlands Hospital and the Special Care Baby Unit at Good Hope Hospital.
United States of America
Hand to Hold: The organisation encouraged the families in its community to share their before and after photos on social media and in their private Facebook community.
USAID: USAID participated in the Twitter chat the previous day and helped raise awareness for the challenges surrounding preterm birth. On World Prematurity Day, the Newborn Team held an online event at the USAID MNCH Field Exchange. The webinar was called “Focusing on Small and Sick Newborn Care – Why Now?” and discussed global priorities in neonatal care. It included speakers from India and Rwanda who shared their work and experiences in caring for small and sick newborns. All speakers also addressed how COVID-19 had affected their work and what could be done in the future.
Zimbabwe
The Avenues Clinic: The Avenues Clinic in Zimbabwe issued a Facebook post to inform about World Prematurity Day and spread awareness of premature birth.
Corporate partners
Baxter: On the occasion of World Prematurity Day, Baxter hosted a symposium named The future is in the bag: benefits to NICU safety, health economics, and quality of care from ready-to-use parenteral nutrition. Also, the DACH region team sent out a message of support out of their respective home office locations by dressing purple and compiling a socially distanced selfie.
DSM: To honour World Prematurity Day, DSM posted a science-led write-up on its company blog, Talking Nutrition. The article discusses the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and after birth, especially for the preterm baby. DSM also supported World Prematurity Day on their social media channels to raise awareness and sent out internal messages to all DSM employees across the globe to raise awareness for World Prematurity Day and promoted its partnership with EFCNI. Employees also used purple backdrops for video calls and many of them also posted on their private social media accounts to raise awareness for the issue of preterm birth.
GE Healthcare: GE Healthcare is working to provide the equipment clinicians need to deliver care and dedicated to keeping mums and babies healthy. On the occasion of World Prematurity Day, GE Healthcare recognized the NICU caregivers around the world for their incredible work they do on daily basis and drew attention to the global burden of preterm birth on their social media channels.
Nestlé Nutrition Institute (NNI): The Nestlé Nutrition Institute hosted a global scientific webinar entitled “Advances in neonatal nutrition – caring for babies born too soon” at the WPD, which attracted a great deal of attention. In addition, the building of the German headquarters was illuminated in purple and a small team present, celebrated with social distancing and masks.
Philips: On the occasion of World Prematurity Day, Philips published two new articles on their baby tracking and pregnancy tracking apps Baby+ and Pregnancy+. The articles informed users about the purpose of World Prematurity Day and provided information about the importance of infant and family-centred care. Also, they shared advice on how to prevent preterm birth and which possible risk factors require special attention from doctors and pregnant women.
Global motto 2019: Born too Soon: Providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
For the third time, we, in collaboration with the global World Prematurity Day Coordinating Committee, developed a global theme: “Born too soon: Providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place”. The claim was spread worldwide and more than 140 parent- and patient organisations, as well as medical societies and further supporting organisations, have joined forces to raise awareness for preterm birth.
We would like to thank the World Prematurity Day Coordinating Committee for their advice and contributions. The World Prematurity Day Coordinating Committee includes the following organisations in alphabetical order: EFCNI; Jhpiego; LittleBigSouls; March of Dimes; Prematuridade; Project Concern International (PCI); Save the Children; UNICEF; USAID; White Ribbon Alliance; World Vision
A selection of World Prematurity Day activities in 2019
Warm thanks to everyone for sharing all these wonderful activities for World Prematurity Day 2019 with us. We highly appreciate each and every contribution that raises awareness and helps us work towards quality care for all babies born preterm. Here, we present a selection of worldwide events – the list will be continously updated until the end of the year.
EFCNI
Launch of new project website GLANCE 
On the occasion of World Prematurity Day we launched our new website for EFCNI’s latest project, GLANCE – the Global Alliance for Newborn Care. Check out the new website on www.glance-network.org to learn more about this project.
Launch of the Global Call to Action for Newborn Care 
On the occasion of World Prematurity Day, GLANCE published the Global Call to Action for Newborn Care. In 8 demands, Glance calls for significant improvements in newborn and maternal care across the world. The Call to Action was kindly supported by around 150 medical societies and around 50 parent- and patient organisations. All information about the Call to Action on our new website: https://www.glance-network.org/activities/call-to-action/ The Call to Action is available for download in 22 languages https://www.glance-network.org/res…/call-to-action-material/
Launch of the ROP campaign 
The awareness campaign for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) “The world is bright, save our babies’ sight“ ROP is one of the leading causes of childhood blindness – Provide the right care, at the right time, in the right place!” was launched on World Prematurity Day, to put the focus on proper care for preterm babies in order to save their eyesight. It was supported by our corporate partner Novartis and the medical societies COINN, ESPR, Euretina and UENPS as well as several parent and patient organisations.
International
NIDCAP: NIDCAP offers guidelines and media templates to support the planning and execution of celebratory events. View more
UN/UNICEF Syria; Ministry of Health; WHO: On 17 Nov , Ministry of Health, with the support of UN organizations, held a national celebration of the World Prematurity Day in Kaiser hotels in Damascus city. The celebration was chaired by Deputy of minister of health, Head of PHC department, head of WHO, Dr George Fom Ameh as Dep Rep of UNICEF and a delgate of UNFPA in the presence of one hundred doctors in different health sectors (public , private, SARC and NGOs) with presentations of the last information related to newborn and prematurity in the country and the guidelines and recommendation to reduce prematurity in Syria. UNICEF headquarters, New York: To commemorate World Prematurity Day, the global Maternal, Newborn and Adolescent Health Unit (Health Section) in collaboration with WASH, Nutrition and ECD sections set up a visual gallery at the UNICEF house lobby to showcase UNICEF’s response to address the burden. Showing their support for the effort, Executive Director Henrietta Fore and Programme Division acting director Ms. Henriette Ahrens were the exhibit’s first attendees. View more UNICEF Namibia Country Office: The celebrations of WPD commemoration focused on the benefits of kangaroo mother care and testimonials from mothers of premature babies who practiced and advocate for this high impact low cost intervention to save preterm babies. Mothers of premature babies were presented with kangaroo wrappers to keep their babies warm. The region also adopted a slogan of “knit one, warm one and save one”. View more National Day Foundation: The charitable platform nationalday.com dedicated an article about World Prematurity Day and the topic of preterm birth View more
Australia
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation: The Foundation hosted hospital morning teas in 6 hospitals to celebrate the day with staff and families in NICU and Special Care units across Australia. View more
Miracle Babies: The company Tommee Tippee wanted to encourage people to open their wallets to ‘tip in’ to help support families of premature and sick newborns. The goal was to raise $20,000 for our parent organisation Miracle Babies. With that amount they can offer 300 more families access to their NurtureProgram, which includes: 24-hour helpline, in-hospital peer-to-peer support, out of hospital play and support groups, emergency care packs and NICU Survival Packs along with other resources for families and the hospitals that care for them. View more
Preterm Infants Parent’s Association/PIPA: A morning tea at “Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital” where the organisation PIPA had the opportunity to speak with parents and staff about premature birth. View more
Austria
„früh-R-leben“ Förderverein für das früh und krank geborene Kind: The parent organisation “früh-R-leben” introduced themselves to the parents at their local neonatal station and gave away some nitted stuffed animals and chocolates to raise money for their organisation. View more
Belarus
The RANO: More than 200 families with children, over 60 medical specialists, who work with premature babies, partners of The Rano, Belarusian pop stars and entertainers for children gathered in a cozy congress hall “Barcelona” of the Victoria Olymp Hotel. View more
Belgium
Hospital AZ Groeninge Kortrijk : In order to put development care in the spolight, the neo-team of AZ Groeninge Kortrijk sat in life-size incubators to experience what it feels like to be a preterm baby. The Broel Towers were also illuminated from sunset to sunrise.
Vlaamse Vereniging voor Ouders van Couveusekinderen (VVOC): Families of perterm babies came together to celebrate Word Prematurity Day on a playground in Ekern. View more
Brazil
Associação Brasileira de Pais de Bebês Prematuros – ONG Prematuridade.com: In cities all over the country events were organised in hospitals, parks an on streets to raise awareness on prematurity. Peopel also dressed purple on this special day. View more
Bulgaria
Our Premature Children Foundation (OPCF): The Our Premature Children Foundation and the Amelie Party Center offered an unforgettable celebration for the young heroes of Sofia, including a creative workshop, children’s playgrounds and surprises. During the event guests were also able to see photos from an exhibition of premature born babies. Many more events took place in Bulgaria which can be seen when you click the button below. View more
Canada
Canadian Premature Babies: Multiple landmarks in Canada were illuminated in purple to celebrate World Prematurity Day 2019, including the Calgary Tower, Ontario City Hall and some City Signs. View more
Cyprus
Mora Thavmata: On November 17th the parent organisation Mora Thavmata delivered gifts to premature babies and the intensive care unit at the Μακάρειο Νοσοκομείο hospital. Also, the medieval castles of Larnaca, Limassol and the medieval mansion of Nicosia, as well as the archaeological museum of Nicosia were purple, for this years World Prematurity Day. View more
Czech Republic
Nedoklubko: The parent organisation Nedoklubko published videos, in which medical staff and parents of 12 perinatological intensive care centres talk about their daily struggles. Nedoklubko also took World Prematurity Day as an occasion to thank doctors and nurses for their work. All over the country landmarks like the Dancing House in Prague and, the Bečov Castle and Château were illuminated purple. View more
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Denmark
Rigshopitalet Copenhagen: The Neonatal Department, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, celebrated World Prematurity Day 2019 with sponsored gifts to all the admitted families at the department. Members of staff showed their commitment by wearing purple shirts at that day. A magnificent cake was served after beautiful classic music was performed by Sebastian on cello, who was born extremely preterm himself. View more
Estonia
MTÜ Enneaegsed lapsed: 43 landmarks such as the Pesapuu Tower in Rõuge were lit up purple for World Prematurity Day. Liis Toome, Head of the Newborn Department of the Children’s Hospital in Tallinn, and Livia Laas, board member of the parent organisation MTÜ Enneaegsed lapsed, were interviewed by Tallinna Televisioon. Several Hospitals held prenatal conferences, seminars and also celebrated with cakes and concerts. View more
Finland
Kevyt-yhdistyksen ystävät: All across the country landmarks like the Helsinki City Theatre and Lathi Energy &Lahti Radio Masts were illuminated in purple. The parent organisation Kevyt-yhdistyksen ystävät hosted an event for preterm children, their families and everbody else who wanted to listen to expert lectures and exchange experiences. View more
Germany
Das Frühchen e.V. Heidelberg: recorded a nationwide broadcasted tv-report in front of the purple illuminated Heidelberg palace. View more
Bundesverband “Das frühgeborene Kind” e.V: The Federal association: „Das frühgeborene Kind“ e.V organised a symposium with the overarching theme on how anybody can help, in any situation regarding premature born children. A variety of renowned speakers were invited in order to professionally tackle this topic on stage. View more
More than 170 hospital units in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland organised various events to support children and families affected by preterm birth. View more
Ghana
AFPNC: On the occasion of World Prematurity Day, the African Foundation for Premature Babies and Neonatal Care (AFPNC), managed to do a big community outreach with about 400 community members including women, teenage girls, healthcare professionals, traditional leaders and the political and corporate fraternity in the remote district in Ghana where access to basic neonatal care is a challenge and recorded the highest deaths in the last 5 years till date. The situation fits perfectly to this year’s World Prematurity Day’s global theme “Born too Soon: providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place.”, and so AFPNC collaborated with the Health Directorate to implement their outreach initiatives. Besides a community durbar and girls’ empowerment about reproductive health, also, mums of preterm babies in need could join the purple basket project where they received up to 2 weeks’ groceries and toiletries for their baby and themselves. View more
Greece
Ilitominon : Once again the White Tower of Thessaloniki was illuminated in purple on November 17th. Volunteers knitted hats, socks and blankets to keep preemies warm. The Benaki Museum in Athen exhibited colorful and artistic knitware to show support for preemies. View more
Hungary
Melletted a helyem – Right(s) beside you: Besides an illumination of the Chain-Bridge in purple a week long TV awarness campaign about prematurity at RTL Klub TV channel with experts about the actual situation of premature birth in Hungary, family centered care neonatal care, the importance of skin to skin care and mothers milk for preterm babies, the role of the fathers during care and most importantly access for parents, as they are not visitors was broadcasted. Additionally there were tv, radio and written media interviews. NICUs around the country were visited and donations were provided, e.g. an “EAR” fornoise awareness in the NICU, parents information that Units are open 24-7, a special signal plaque for the front of their NICU door, saying open 0-24 for parents. Also, a charity ball in Miskolc was organised to raise money for the town’s NICU to help them become more family- and parent centred. View more
Koraszülöttekért Országos Egyesület (KORE): More than 30 buildings were illumintated for World Prematurity Day, including landmarks such as the Chain Bridge in Budapest or Tata Castle. The parent organisation KORE held informative and entertaining events throughout the weekend. World Prematurity Day was also topic in the TV program “Aktuális”, in which Zsuzsanna Földvári-Nagy, President of the National Association for Preterm Births was interviewed. View more
Iceland
RoRo: 4 buildings were illuminated for World Prematurity Day in Iceland, including the University of Iceland und the tourist attraction Perlan – Wonders of Iceland, Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre and Menningarhúsið Hof. View more
Italy
Genitin Onlus: In the hall of the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome people were invited to the event “Born to live in a better world” where some presentations from doctors and parents were held. View more
Piccino Picciò Onlus: An event was held at the “Centro Il Baobab – Viale De Amicis 99/a, Firenze” for parents and their children to celebrate World Prematurity Day. In addition, the buildings “Il Castello dell’Imperatore”, “L’ospedale Meyer”, and “L’Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte” were illuminated in purple light. View more
Progetto Pulcino Onlus: In the region of Reggio Emilia, the fountain of “Piazza Martiri del 7 luglio” and the bridge “Ponti di Calatrava” were illuminated and the neonatal intensive care unit at the local hospital welcomed people at an open house. View more
Io Arrivo Prima ODV & La mano di Stella: The two organizations “Io Arrivo Prima ODV” & “La mano di Stella” collaborated to illuminate the monument Torre Civica in Casale Monferrato. View more
Vivere Onlus: Multiple more buildings in Italy were lit in purple light in the cities Naples, Brescia, Lecce, Taranto, Rimini, Udine, Prato, Florence and Genua. View more
Ireland
Irish Neonatal Health Alliance: The inspiring stories of two preemie mothers were featured in several big newspapers as well as on social media. A radio show was broadcasted, presenting Rotunda Hospital and the issues which premature births present for the babies, families and the medical community. In Dublin the annual Neonatal Symposium of the Irish Neonatal Health Alliance was held and hospitals across the country celebrated the preemies and their families on this special day. View more
Israel
Lahav Organization for the Premature Infants in Israel: This year Israel participated in the illumination of buildings for the first time. Multiple buildings in the city of Petah Tikva were lit in purple light. View more
Latvia
Esmu Klāt: To celebrate this special day, an event was held, with creative activities for children and live music. View more
Lithuania
Padedu augti – šeimos gerovės specialistai: On November 16-17, PLC Mega organized a social initiative to raise public awareness for premature birth and to share information about the free, psychological and mutual help for the parents of these babies. In addition the tower Šviesos bokštą was illuminated. View more
Macedonia
Lulka: Via social media the parent organisation Lulka shared stories of healthy and happy kids that were born prematurely. There were also celebratory events in different hospitals including the Clinic for Gynecology in Akuserstvo, where Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and the Minister of Health Dr. Venko Filipce held a press conference, showing their support for preemies and their families. View more
Malawia
ONSE: The Malawian healthcare institution working closely with USAID, started an awareness campaign in view of World Prematurity Day, with the primary aim being, generally raising public awareness and increasing the populations sensitivity, regarding premature born children. View more
Mexico
Con Amor Vencerás: Multiple events took place in hospitals all over Mexico. The parent organisation Con Amor Vencerás supported the INP Prematurity Symposium, which focused on Crisis Support in the NICU (Neonatal, Intensive Care Unit). Singer Estefania Lavelle performed to raise awareness for preemies. The ISSSTE Regional Hospital in Mérida, Yucatán was illuminted as well as a building in Monclova, Coahuila. View more
New Zealand
The Neonatal Trust – New Zealand: World Prematurity Day was celebrated in every NICU and SCBU around New Zealand thanks to the parent organisation The Neonatal Trust and their volunteers who made sure, that there was enough celebration cake for everyone. Private homes, landmarks and buildings were bathed in purple light for the special occasion. View more
Norway
Prematurforeningen: Multiple buildings in Norway were lit in purple light to celebrate World Prematurity Day. Additionally, events took place at the Stavanger hospital, Ullevål hospital, Lillehammer hospital and the St. Olav preschool which is located on the ground floor of the Barne Og Ungdomsklinikken hospital. View more
Poland
Fundacja Wczesniak Rodzice-Rodzicom: A ball for World Prematurity Day 2019 was organized at the Psychological and Pedagogical Counseling Center in Żory. View more
The CZMP Institute: The CZMP Institute invited all parents with children to participate in a celebration of World Prematurity Day. Also, their building was put in purple light on this special evening, thanks to a cooperation with TME Kariera. View more
Górnośląskie Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka im. św. Jana Pawła II: The Górnośląskie Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka im. św. Jana Pawła II hospital celebrated World Prematurity Day with parents and their children.
Portugal
Nascer Prematuro: A training session about Baby-Wearing was organised by the parent organisation Nascer Prematuro. They also invited preemies, parents and friends to a join-in concert. There were also illuminated buildings, raising awareness for prematurity births. View more
Associacao Afonsinhos e Mafaldinhas: The Afonsinhos e Mafaldinhas Association invited parents and their premature born children to a get-together. View more
Neonatologias de Grande Porto: The Neonatologias de Grande Porto invited the “Minis” and their families to a lunch event. View more
Romania
Baby Care Sibiu: The Gong theatre in Romania surprised the Baby Care Sibu organization this year by lighting up their building in purple without telling them beforehand. Baby Care Sibu also celebrated this special day at the Spitalul Clinic Județean de Urgență Sibiu with parents and premature born babies. View more
Asociatia Unu si Unu: Asociatia Unu si Unu held a party for parents and children of all ages at the Universitar de Urgență Bucureștito hospital to celebrate World Prematurity Day 2019. In addition, the city hall of Târgoviște was lit in purple. View more
Russia
Pravo na chudo (Right for a miracle): In Moscow, purple lights are traditionally lit on the Crimean bridge. In Komi, the Altai Republic, Ingushetia, and Karelia, the facades of regional perinatal centers will be highlighted. In Yakutsk and Chelyabinsk, the purple TV tower will become the symbol of World Premature Day. In total, 102 cultural-historical, administrative and sports facilities in 43 cities and 3 rural settlements of Russia will be highlighted in purple in support of the international action. Even a mommoth in a museum was illuminated. View more
Charity Fund “Give Sunshine”: On November 13th a conference was held in the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation dedicated to the World Prematurity Day. View more
Saudi Arabia
Hospitals in Riyadh and Jeddah; Initiated by Ministry of Neonatal Services Improvement Program, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia: Neonatal Services Improvement Program initiate in joined World Prematurity Day Awareness and collaborate to EFCNI (European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infant) and NIDCAP Federation International now on its 3rd year celebrating globally. We have raised awareness in Saudi Arabia to Health Care institutions, health Care workers that supporting the Premature Infants and all Newborns are very important ,along with their families that they are need to be supported during their hard days in hospital where they are separated to their newborns, in this awareness we aim to involved the Multidisciplinary team that works in newborns to get them more involved and one of our aim as well to appreciate the work of the Health care team and valued of their care to our Newborns and their families. We have shown that there is nothing impossible if we work together to give our best care to our Newborns specially our lil baby and involved their families as number 1 multidiscipline. 31 NICU MCH Joined this 3rd Year of International World Prematurity Awareness Day, across the country to let us aware the support of our Premature Baby and all newborns along with their family. We encourage also to advocate of implementation of NIDCAP Care in NICU, breastfeeding and Kangaroo care. The rest of hospital across the kingdom will celebrate random till end of November 2019, we will send follow up update of all the awareness including the illumination of the Land mark of Saudi Arabia and establishments who voluntarily lit in Purple to Support 2019 World Prematurity initiate by Neonatal Services Improvement Program, Ministry of health.
Slovakia
Malicek: Numerous illuminations were arranged, the singer Monica Ližbetin dedicated the song Verim – song to my son, to all preterm born babies who are real warriors. The News broadcasted a report on TV. View more
South Africa
Preemie Connect/Embrace: The parent organisation Preemie Connect in collaboration with Embrace organised a letter-writing campaign for mommies in hospital amongst other activities around World Prematurity Day. View more
Spain
Aprem: The town hall of Apiary Viejo and the Cibeles in Madrid amongst other landmarks in the country were illuminated to celebrate world prematurity day. Besides, in the neonatal unit of the Gregorio Maranon Hospital in Madrid festivities took place, where staff and families celebrated together. View more
Sweden
Svenska Prematurforbundet / Prematurföreningen Stockholm: Prematurföreningen Stockholm and Lilla barnets fond hosted a scientific seminar at Karolinska University hospital on the long term effects of preterm birth on former preterms. Musician, composer and founder of the charity Tumeliten, Robert Wells gave a charity concert at the academic hospital in Uppsala. View more
Taiwan
Premature Baby Foundation of Taiwan: Landmarks in Taipei and other disctricts of Taiwan were illuminated. As every year the Premature Baby Foundation of Taiwan realized lightings like the Taipei 101, the Pingtung Bay Cross-Sea Bridge and many more. In line with their motto: Every baby needs to grow up healthy and make a good life ~ come on ^^ they organised three events: a press conference with new Taipei city a purple light show from Taipei to pingtung bay, pingtung and an international seminar on the birth and newborn referral system. View more
Tanzania
Doris Mollel Foundation: The foundation commemorated World Prematurity Day by conducting a discussion with mothers who gave birth too soon on challenges that they face as they raise preterm babies most importantly to parental leave. Guest of Honor was the Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs H.E. Augustine Mahiga, special guest to the discussion was Dr Amb. Gertrude Ibengwé Mongella, Founder, Advocacy for Women in Africa (AWA), special advisor to the ECA Executive Secretary and to the UNESCO Director General and former President of the Pan-African Parliament. View more
Turkey
El Bebek Gül bebek: Many monumental buildings like the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Galata Tower, Süreyya Opera House and İstinye Park were illuminated in purple in honor of preterm babies and their families.The Ege University Medical Faculty and many other hospitals joined the celebrations on World Prematurity Day with social gatherings. View more
Ukraine
Early Birds: With an origami flashmob, the organisation made the issue of preterm birth visible – 20,000 cranes in purple shades were folded by NICU staff, parents, and supporters to represent the number of babies born preterm each year in Ukraine. Moreover, several buildings, for example the Saint Sophia’s Cathedral in Kyiv, were illuminated. View more
United Kingdom
BLISS Charity: On and around World Prematurity Day, BLISS runs the campaign “Bliss Little lights – Light up the night! At a lantern walk for premature and sick babies, hope and strength of premature babies and their families shall be celebrated. The walk is also a fundraising activity for BLISS. View more
Corporate Partners
Vygon
Vygon: As in previous years, Vygon’s subsidiaries and distributors all over the world have joined in the World Prematurity Day celebrations. Backed by their experience in Neonatology, the different teams created events like monuments’ illuminations, conferences, charity runs, and more in 54 countries , e.g. France, USA, UK, Australia, Nigeria, Mexico, Taïwan, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Thailand, South Africa, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Qatar, and many more. View more
Global motto 2018: Working together: Partnering with families in the care of small and sick newborns
In cooperation with our global World Prematurity Day advocacy group, we developed a global theme for the second time: This year “Working together: Partnering with families in the care of small and sick newborns” was the claim we spread worldwide. It was our common goal to raise awareness for the importance of care for preterm babies and their families provided by healthcare professionals, including parents as partners. Care encompasses doctors, nurses, mothers, fathers, babies, and other family members as a unit, from pre-pregnancy through labour, delivery, as well as treatment and care of the child. Please find the global advocacy toolkit, more information about the global motto and further materials here.
Special thanks go to the Healthy Newborn Network, Save the Children, Every Woman Every Child, Every Preemie—SCALE, the more than 50 parent organisations and medical societies, who supported the global theme.
A selection of World Prematurity Day activities in 2018
Warm thanks to everyone for sharing all these wonderful activities for World Prematurity Day 2018 with us. We present you here below a selection of worldwide events.
EFCNI
EFCNI: Illumination of the Olympic Tower in Munich
This year, for the first time, one of the most famous landmarks of Munich, the Olympic Tower, was illuminated in the official purple colour of World Prematurity Day. The Olympic tower in Munich was opened in 1968 and is integral part of the Olympic Park that hosted the Summer Olympics in 1972. Our particular thanks go to the City of Munich and its public company Olympiapark München GmbH for making the illumination possible and to Munich’s mayor Dieter Reiter for supporting World Prematurity Day with an official statement. View more
EFCNI: 10 Years Anniversary Conference
To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of EFCNI, a two-day conference took place at the Klinikum Dritter Orden Munich, Germany with the title „Neonatology of the future – following new paths“ (“Neonatologie der Zukunft – neue Wege gehen”). At the EFCNI anniversary symposium, experts discussed trends and challenges in neonatology. View more (in German)
EFCNI: A Strong Start for Little Heroes
Third edition of the large-scale initiative A Strong Start for Little Heroes, initiated by EFCNI: Over 170 neonatal intensive care units in Germany, Austria and Switzerland celebrated this special day with inhouse events. EFCNI provided them a diverse action package for the celebration of the event. View more about the A Strong Start for Little Heroes initiative including a selection of events (in German). View more (in German)
International
Save the Children (Bangladesh): To mark World Prematurity Day, the Health, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS sector has taken up several engagements with media, social media as well as on the ground to spread the word about preventing premature births and managing complication of prematurity through Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). View more
Save the Children (Nigeria): The colour of the day was purple with purple t-shirts, decorations & a socks line. The event was aimed at creating awareness on the causes of prematurity, risk reduction strategies as well as signs and symptoms of pre term labour. Awareness on KMC (Kangaroo Mother Care) using IEC material in Hausa language with demonstrations and return demonstrations by participants. Key members of the local government health team took the KMC challenge. Baby socks, shawl, hand wash and bathing soap were also distributed. View more
Unicef (New York Headquarters): UNICEF New York headquarters celebrated world prematurity day on 29th November 2018 with focus on the theme “Working together: Partnering with families in the care of small and sick newborns” to create global awareness of the epidemiological burden, challenges and gaps for small and sick newborn care in health facilities and to highlight UNICEF’s response to scaleup proven interventions to ensure each small and the sick newborn survives and thrives. View more Every Preemie SCALE – PCI Global: On World Prematurity Day 2018, Every Preemie—SCALE introduced the latest in its Do No Harm Technical Brief Series, Family Participation in the Care of the Inpatient Newborn. This brief highlights the importance of family involvement during inpatient care; how the lack of family engagement can cause unintentional harm; current evidence-based best practices; existing WHO recommendations; system requirements; and actions that can be taken by policy makers, program planners and implementers, facility leaders, health care providers, and families to improve family engagement and related health outcomes. With the release of this newest brief, Every Preemie—SCALE and partners emphasize the importance of families and health providers working together to care for inpatient newborns, and acknowledge the invaluable role of all stakeholders in the healthy development of these vulnerable babies. View more
Corporate Partners
AbbVie: Besides World Prematurity Day celebrations of the staff at the AbbVie headquarters in Chicago, AbbVie supported many international patient organisations to celebrate the day around the globe. The Prematurity Baby Foundation in Taiwan engaged government officials, baseball stars and a popular actress for a countdown video on Facebook. In addition, five capital landmarks in Taiwan like the Taipei Xinyi Business Alliance lit up purple on the day and team events were held by AbbVie Brazil.
Baxter: Baxter celebrated World Prematurity Day in a dozen countries, engaging hundreds of employees. They set up a global neonatal symposium, launched a campaign where colleagues shared their NICU story, and organised fundraising events in their branches worldwide. View more
Nestlé Nutrition: Next to supporting the campaign A Strong Start for Little Heroes in collaboration with EFCNI, the Nestlé Competence Center shone in purple for World Prematurity Day. In addition, World Prematurity Day was also celebrated at the paediatric conference “2. Irschenberger Pädiatertreff” in Irschenberg, Germany.
Vygon: Vygon celebrated WPD 2018 in different hospitals all over the world, in Europe, Asia, the Middle-East, South Africa, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. View more
Australia
Tiny Sparks: Purple illumination of Brisbane’s Story and Victoria bridge for prems all over the world.
Belarus
RPA “Rano”: An WPD healthcare professionals, preterm born children and their families, professional artists and journalists came together. There were workshops, a charity concert and a playground. Healthcare products were donated to the neonatology department of the Belarusian hospital of child birth. View more (Facebook)
Belgium
Vlaamse Vereniging voor Ouders van Couveusekinderen (VVOC): We organised a family day with parents of preterm children to give them an opportunity to exchange their experiences. We put up a clothes line with little socks showing name, weight and birth date of the babies to see how happy and strong the children are now. View more (Facebook)
Bulgaria
Our Premature Children Foundation: Organised an event for preterm children and their families with snacks, beverages and opportunities for the children to play together and celebrate World Prematurity Day.
Brazil
Prematuridade: Prematuridade called for everyone to dress up in a shade of purple on November 17th, to express their support for World Prematurity Day 2018. View more (Facebook)
Canada
Canadian Premature Babies Foundation: Landmarks all over Canada were illuminated in purple light and families and staff came together in many hospitals to celebrate World Prematurity Day. View more (Facebook)
Cyprus
Miracle Babies Cyprus: During 2018 World Prematurity Week Miracle Babies Cyprus worked diligently to raise awareness on prematurity, through direct interaction with people at the Mall of cyprus. They were invited to five different TV Talkshows, to talk about premature birth. They also raised funds for uprading the NICU at the Archbishop Makarios Hospital in Nicosia with a modern Spacelabs monitor. View more (Facebook)
Cyprus Society of Perinatal Medicine: The Archaeological Museum of Nicosia and Medieval Castles of Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos were illuminated in purple. Three TV channels informed on prematurity. In the Makarios Hospital in Nicosia presents were given to babies and parents and a monitor was donated.
Czech Republic
Nedoklubko: Multiple postings on social media and purple illuminations of important Czech landmarks, including Špilberk Castle in the course of World Prematurity Day View more (Facebook)
Estonia
MTÜ Enneaegsed lapsed: Purple illumination of important landmarks in Estonia, including Pesapuu Tower in Rõuge and multiple hospitals. Also multiple postings on social media in order to raise awareness for World Prematurity Day. View more (Facebook)
Finland
Kevyt: Information and networking event with preterm birth experts for (expecting) parents and relatives to exchange experiences and support each other. Also multiple Finnish landmarks were illuminated in purple light. View more (Facebook)
France
SOS Préma: SOS Préma and its volunteers organized different events in different cities of France to raise awareness and celebrate World Prematurity Day. SOS Préma launched a video on prematurity to inform the public and to broaden awareness. View more (Facebook)
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Ghana
AFPNC: AFPNC organsised a variety of different rallies and events all over Ghana, which included purple illumination of buildings, blood donation exercisees, free healthscreenings, networking experiences for preterm parents and much more. View more
Greece
Ilitominon: The White Tower of Thessaloniki was illuminated in purple on November 16th. On November 18th,Ilitominon together with 2 hospitals organized a conference for healthcare professionals on Family-Centred Developmental Care.On November 24th, healthcare professionals and parents participated in the conference at the Conference at the Cultural Center of Municipality of Egaleo to discuss preterm birth and its consequences for the families and the community. View more
Hungary
Melletted a helyem – Right(s) beside you: Purple illumination of the Chain Bridge in Budapest and holding a joint press conference as a Call to Action for Family Centred Neonatal Care with the Ministry of Human Resources. View more
Melletted a helyem – Right(s) beside you: Tiny Feet’s Village dressed in purple and opened its gates for all ex preemies and their families. In the evening the Semmelweis University Building was illuminated in purple. TV and radio reports were given and newspaper articles were published on the event. View more
Ireland
Irish Neonatal Health Alliance: Iconic Irish landmarks were illuminated in purple light on Nov 17th. Furthermore, the INHA launched a book titled “Back to Basics… Bonding and Attachment in the Neonatal Unit” and delivered copies to all NICUs for World Prematurity Day. Hampers with INHA publications and other goodies were also delivered to the NICUs. View more
Italy
Vivere Onlus: Purple illumination of many landmarks in Italy to raise awareness and sensibilise for preemies and their families. Under the motto “We give preemies a voice”, Vivere Onlus in cooperation with preemie mother Barbara Melotto and songwriter Federico Spagnoli created a song called “Io ti aspetto lo stesso” and a karaoke version of the song for you to join the cause and sing along. View more
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Lithuania
Neišnešiotukas: Organized a party with animators, a flash-mob and letting balloons rise up into the air. Charity basketball game between two local teams with a preterm birth exhibition, all the proceeds were donated. View more
Padedu augti: For the sixth time they lighted up the symbol of Kaunas city – Town Hall Square in purple and had an event at the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno klinikos. We organized a memorable event with doctors, nurses and preemie parents. After this event we visited preemie parents ant donated woolen plaids. View more
The Republic of North Macedonia
Lulka – Association for care and education: As they organized a theater show starring preemie children, together with the children and their parents they sent a message of support and solidarity to those who are confronted with the obstacle that is preterm birth. View more (Facebook)
The Netherlands
Vereniging Ouders van Couveusekinderen (VOC): Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam was illuminated in purple on World Prematurity Day View more
Norway
Prematurforeningen: They organised an informal meeting where nurses and special educators were invited. Also a music therapist performed a singing lesson and a reading was held for the visitors.
Portugal
XXS – Portuguese Association for the Support of Premature Baby: The mentors of the protoguese parent organization “For parents XXS” celebrated with us WPD at the hospital Douro und Vouga (Chedv).
Romania
Baby Care Sibiu: Organized a meeting with former preemie patients and their parents, and had fun and lighthearted disscusions with them and their families.
Unu si Unu: Unu si Unu was celebrating World Prematurity Day with multiple activities. They co-organized the “Premature Baby Parade” at Bukarest University Hospital. Joining in the celebrations were doctors, nurses and parents as the “graduated” babies walked the hospitals red carpet. In addition, they initiated a relay-race under the motto “One in ten windows is purple” in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, where the families of premature new born babies can illuminate a window of their house in purple, drawing attention on the issue of premature birth. They organised an event where 7 “books”, a nurse, a doctor, a psychologist, a mother, a father, a sister and a mother from Family Centred Care, were publicly available to tell about their NICU experience. They also illuminated the Ministry on Health on top of many other landmarks and buildings throughout Romania. View more
Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the #31 MCH-NICU Hospital: Faisaliyah Tower is one of the landmarks of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and was illuminated to celebrate 2018 World Prematurity Day.
Slovakia
Malíček: Celebration of WPD in Slovakia was taking place in several cities – Bratislava hosted wonderful evening “Purple Heart Award”; in Kosice we prepared together with their NICU 1 day event “Purple Festival” for meeting families and caregivers and educational training for nurses. In Presov, 3rd biggest city in Slovakia, we co-organized concert. Illumination in 8 cities brought attention to WPD topic. Almost 300mothers in 13hospitals were given small gifts from our organisation.
Spain
APREM: This year the Minister of Health of Madrid attended the WP celebrations at the Hospital Clinico San Carlos. There was a lecture about FI Care, and APREM recognized the parents support in the Neonatology Unit with a “Sock Award”. The main Spanish TV channels reported on the event. View more (Facebook)
Turkey
El Bebek Gul Bebek: On November 17, 2018 one of the biggest newspapers published an interview with 3 premie mothers, who are members of El Bebek Gul Bebek, about their stories and a new project. They held a brunch & community building meeting with more than 30 premature babies/children and their parents (60 people) and their supporters. This event has been broadcasted on prime time news of Star TV channel. They also had more than 2000 mini socks knitted and these were given to pediatricians as WPD presents during Turkish Pediatric Congress.
Ukraine
Ranni Ptashky (Early Birds): Lighting of buildings, family days, conferences and exhibitions took place in 18 cities of Ukraine for the WPD, for example St. Sophia Cathedral and Gulliver Trade Center. A touching exhibition was launched on November 17th called “Fathers in focus”, to stress the importance of the role of the father in the NICU.
USA
March of Dimes: The Empire State Building was illuminated in purple on World Prematurity Day. March of Dimes encouraged parents and family members of preemies to share their story on social media to raise awareness and support everybody affected by preterm birth.
Global motto 2017: Let them thrive!
In cooperation with a group of global organisations, we developed the global theme “Let them thrive!” We highlighted the value of respectful care for preterm babies and their families provided by healthcare professionals and thanked them for their work. Respectful care encompasses mothers, babies, and families as a unit, from pre-pregnancy through labour, delivery, as well as treatment and care of the child. Please find the global advocacy toolkit, more information about the global motto and further materials here.
The World Health Organization (WHO), the Healthy Newborn Network, Save the Children, Every Woman Every Child, Every Preemie—SCALE, and many more, also supported the “Let them thrive!” theme highlighting that preterm birth rates are rising globally.
Special thanks also go to the more than 40 parent organisations and NGO’s who endorsed the global theme.
A selection of World Prematurity Day activities in 2017
Warm thanks to everyone for sharing all these wonderful activities for World Prematurity Day 2017 with us. We present you here below a selection of worldwide events.
EFCNI
EFCNI: A Strong Start for Little Heroes
International
NIDCAP Federation International (NFI): In tribute to the families, nursery staff and hospitals that provide sensitive and nurturing care, the NFI shared its 2017 NFI World Prematurity Day Poster on which 47 nurseries around the globe are represented. For the third year in a row the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge in Boston, the birthplace of the NFI and headquarters to the National NIDCAP Training Center, will be illuminated in purple. In addition this year, Boston City Hall and the Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge of Worcester/Shrewsbury will also be lit in purple to mark World Prematurity day. View more
LittleBigSouls: Hosting the London World Prematurity Day Concert with Eleanor Turner and Mendi Singh. View more (Facebook)
Every Woman Every Child: Under this year’s global theme “Let them thrive!”, Every Woman Every Child joined a global association of NGO’s (including EFCNI) to mobilise global support to improve the health and well-being of preterm babies and their mothers. Every Woman Every Child endorses the Every Newborn Action Plan. View more
Maternal Health Task Force: MHTF has published a blog post highlighting critical issues in preterm birth for World Prematurity Day. View more
Save the Children (Nepal): Social Media Campaign in collaboration with global WPD group promoting the joint topic “Let them thrive!” View more (Facebook)
SHIPS project
ISPUP – Instituto De Saúde Pública Da Universidade Do Porto, Portugal, a member of the Screening to Improve Health in Very Preterm Infants in Europe (SHIPS) project: Drawing contest dedicated to all children of the SHIPS cohort. This year these children are turning 6 years old. In a countdown to World Prematurity Day, EFCNI presented their inspiring paintings on social media in cooperation with ISPUP, Pais Prematuros, and XXS. View more (Facebook)
RECAP preterm
Research on European Children and Adults born Preterm (RECAP preterm) project members: To emphasise their commitment for preterm children and their families, the RECAP preterm project members supported World Prematurity Day by a joint online campaign coordinated by EFCNI. View more (RECAP preterm website)
Members of “Workpackage 10”: Dr Verena Lindacher, Johanna Walz and Nicole Thiele from EFCNI welcomed Professor Rolf Maier from the Philipps Universität Marburg at the EFCNI office in Munich to a “Workpackage 10” meeting as part of the RECAP preterm project. Like all members of the RECAP preterm project, they supported World Prematurity Day and shared a social media message with the research community. View more (Facebook)
Corporate partners
Baxter: Headquarters in Deerfield, USA, organised a Global Neonatal Symposium to raise awareness of preterm birth with about 300 participants. Baxter employees told their NICU experiences and donated for an EFCNI project. Across Europe, Baxter facilities joined global efforts in places such as Benelux, Ireland, Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Hundreds of employees and their families came together to raise awareness, collected resources for local charities, and learned more about World Prematurity Day and its importance. View more
Natus: On their educational platform “Neonatal Care Academy”, which is addressed to clinicians, Natus has launched a free and on-demand education module on World Prematurity Day and how everything started. Speaker of this 40-minutes course is Silke Mader, chairwoman and Co-founder of EFCNI. In addition, Natus provides the factsheet “Welcoming the family in the neonatal intensive care unit” for free download. View more
Nestlé Nutrition: All in purple: Nestlé’s German Headquarter in Frankfurt organised different activities for the World Prematurity Day and raised awareness of preterm birth among their employees. The cafeteria served purple food and offered purple drinks; Employees dressed-up in purple and in the morning of 17 November, they received cutting patterns for tiny socks to hang on a long socks line in the building. The Nestlé campus was illuminated for World Prematurity Day and colleagues had the opportunity to join a donation campaign for EFCNI.
Philips Avent: social media campaign – a call for parents to share their experiences with preterm birth. Hundreds of mothers and fathers have followed the appeal.
Vygon: For this 9th World Prematurity Day, several countries (France, Spain, USA, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, Philippines, Indonesia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Scandinavia, South Africa, Turkey…) coordinated varied activities. Grown-up preterms, families of preterm babies, healthcare professionals and members of healthcare foundations participated. Attendees were invited to discuss with healthcare professionals and to share their personal experiences. View more
Argentina
Argentinian Health Ministry in close collaboration with UNICEF: Several activities took place in Buenos Aires and other cities during the “semana del prematuro” (week of prematurity). This year, the campain took place for the eighth time and focused on the families’ right of information and participation when it comes to decisions parents have to make for their babies. On Saturday, 11 November 2017, mothers of babies born preterm were invited to join the “Fiesta del Prematuro” at the Hospital Santojanni in Buenos Aires. From 13 November to 17 November, many other public hospitals were decorated and offered community activities for children and parents of preterm babies, such as games, little concerts, or stage plays. Talks on prematuritiy, the rights of preterm babies, and working with preterm babies and their families were given to raise awareness among parents and professionals. View more (In Spanish)
Australia
The Miracle Babies Foundation: In honour of World Prematurity Day, the Miracle Babies Foundation raised awareness by sharing a personal story and they gave away ten handmade storks to new regular givers. View more (Facebook)
National Premmie Foundation: Clinicians and parents attended a morning tea at Queensland’s largest public hospital. The importance of raising awareness was stressed. View more
Tiny Sparks WA (Western Australia): In the city of Perth, the Bell Tower, Elisabeth Quay, and the Trafalgar Bridge lit up in purple thanks to Tiny Sparks WA. There were also some WPD celebrations at the King Edward Hospital where the co-founders and volunteers of Tiny Sparks WA met up with families of preterm babies, and a boxing fight night with amateur fighters competing to raise funds for the Women and Infants Research Foundation and Tiny Sparks WA. View more (Facebook)
Again this year, the Story Bridge and the Victoria Bridge in Brisbane CBD were lit up purple for World Prematurity Day. View more (Facebook)
Preterm Infant’s Parents Association (PIPA): The Preterm Infant’s Parents Association shared many personal stories about preterm birth to raise awareness of this topic on WPD. View more (Facebook)
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation: The Life’s Little Treasures Foundation organised a WPD morning tea for families in the NICU and Special care at the Mercy Hospital for Women in Melbourne. Staff and parents were invited, families received little presents, and it was an opportunity to chat and share experiences. View more (Facebook)
Austria
University Hospital Graz: The townhall of Graz and the administration building of the LKH-Univ. Klinikum / University Hospital Graz were lit up in purple and experts from the University State hospital informed the public about the risks and challenges of preterm birth at the main square in the afternoon of World Prematurity Day. View more (in German)
University Hospital Salzburg / SALK: For the Neonatology department team of the University Hospital Salzburg (Uniklinikum Salzburg, SALK), 17 November 2017 was a special day in two respects. Not only did they celebrate World Prematurity Day, but they were also excited to receive “Paul”, a preterm simulator which represents a preterm baby born at 27 weeks with realistic anatomy. This patient simulator provides a new and safe learning opportunity for critical care training in the neonatology. To raise awareness, several shops and buildings in Salzburg, including the Hohensalzburg Castle, were illuminated purple. View more (in German)
Belgium
Vlaamse Vereniging voor Ouders van Couveusekinderen (VVOC): The Sint-Rombouts tower (Sint-Romboutstoren) in Mechelen lit up purple for preemies, and parents shared personal stories and pictures in the parent association’s Facebook group. Parents were invited to register for a study day about parents’ participation in neonatology, which took place at the Hotel Park Inn in Leuven on World Prematurity Day. View more (in Dutch)
Bolivia
Department of Neonatology of the Hospital de la Mujer Dr Percy Boland Rodriguez: Staff and families of preterm babies celebrated World Prematurity Day at the Department of Neonatology of the Women’s hospital. Erwin Román, Head of the Department of Neonatology, explained that 14.5% of babies born at this hospital are preterm births and engaged women to undergo all check-ups and examinations to prevent preterm birth whenever possible. To improve care at the department of neonatology, a new office for a doctor who specialises in preterm birth and preterm infants will be created in 2018. View more (Facebook)
Bulgaria
Our Premature Children: The Bulgarian foundation raised awareness by illuminating several buildings and by presenting their project “Little Wonders” which aims to provide comprehensive support to the families of preterm children. View more (in Bulgarian)
Brazil
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CAISM – Unicamp/Instituto Abrace: Impressive decoration with lots of balloons to raise awareness of the causes, risks, and challenges of preterm birth.
Canada
The Canadian Premature Babies Foundation: Many landmarks across Canada went purple to raise awareness and to honour preemies, their families, and caregivers. Amongst them were the CN Tower in Toronto, the Kingston City Hall, the Confederation Building in St. John’s, the BC Place and the Convention Hall in Vancouver, the Edmonton High Level Bridge, and the Peace Bridge at the Canadian US border. View more
Parents of Preemies Association: The Parents of Preemies Association hosted the 5th annual World Prematurity Awareness event at the Ottawa Hospital. Parents had the opportunity to chat with professionals and volunteers at various information booths, and kids were invited to play some games, to draw pictures, to try an infant massage, or to join other activities such as facepainting. View more
Chile
Neovidas: WPD celebrations at the NICUs of the Hospital Base Valdivia and Puerto Montt. View more (Facebook)
Asprem: Asprem organised educational encounters for families of preterm babies at the Clínica Bicentenario and the hospital Luis Tisné in Santiago de Chile. Healthcare professionals gave talks on various topics regarding preterm birth, and families were able to chat and share experiences with each other and the attending healthcare professionals. View more (Facebook)
Colombia
Red Sanar: Red Sanar Medellín, which was founded in 2016, organised a two-day event full of activities, celebrations, and talks to inform the public and to celebrate preemies and their families. View more (in Spanish)
Croatia
Klub roditelja nedonoscadi PALCICI: Illuminations in 25 cities throughout Croatia organised by PALCICI and its local sub-organisations. Media campaign to raise awareness; parents gathered to raise awareness of the challenges and burden of preterm birth in their community. View more (Facebook)
Cyprus
Friends of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Association-Cyprus (FNICU): Together with the cyclists of the Panos Evripidou Foundation the cyprian parent organisation organised a special cycling and family event and distributed little gifts to raise awareness. View more (Facebook)
Czech Republic
Nedoklubko: The Czech parent organisation Nedoklubko collected more than 10,000 little socks as a symbol for preterm babies and their families. This unique project was placed on exhibit at their impressive gala charity event at Zofin Palace a few days before World Prematurity Day. Families and professionals were welcomed to join. On World Prematurity Day, the dancing house in Prague (also known as Fred&Ginger) as well as many other buildings lit up in purple and Nedoklubko gave out presents to parents and NICUs and distributed flyers and magazines. View more (in Czech)
Estonia
City of Rõuge: The observation tower called Nesting Tree in Rõuge, Estonia, lit up in purple on World Prematurity Day. Usually, the Nesting Tree shines pink or blue for every newborn in the village.
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France
SOS Préma: SOS Préma and the hospital “Hôpital Privé la Châtaigneraie” organised a public event to mark World Prematurity Day. Visitors were provided with the opportunity to inform themselves at the SOS Préma information booth, to speak with healthcare professionals and to admire the little crocheted octupuses that the NICU now has in their incubators. SOS Préma launched a video on prematurity to inform the public and to broaden awareness. View more (Facebook)
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Ghana
Trauma and Specialist Hospital, Winneba: The paediatric unit embarked on a march through the streets of Winneba as part of the occasion, together with other invited hospitals, churches and social organisations to celebrate children born before the normal gestational age of 9 months. The activity was rounded off with talks of nurses and other health professionals educating about the care for preterm born infants. View more
Greece
Ilitominon:
- Singer/Songwriter Vassilis Babaniaris supported the Greek organisation Ilitominon and composed the ballad “Your Fighter” for World Prematurity Day 2017. View more (Facebook in Greek) Listen to the song (Youtube)
- Broadcasting a TV-Spot on preterm birth which will be shown for a month on all Greek TV programs watch the spot here (Youtube)
- Illuminating the White Tower in Thessaloniki
- Co-organising a workshop “Positioning for Premature Baby Development” together with the NICU’s of the General Hospital of Nikea (Piraeus) and the NICU of General & Maternity District Hospital “Helena Venizelou”.
Hungary
Melletted a helyem – Right(s) beside you: A singing flash-mob gathered at the Chain Bridge which was again illuminated in purple lights, symbolically bridging between stakeholders and facilitators. “Tiny Messages” were handed over to politicians. There was a press conference and the premier of the documentary “Life in the NICU”. View more (Facebook in Hungarian)
KORE (Koraszülöttekért Közhasznú Egyesület):The organisation activated its nationwide network and had buildings and institutions all over Hungary illuminated in purple. Highlights were the Palace of arts and the facade of the Corvinus University in Budapest. View more (in Hungarian)
Iceland
Fyrirburar: The organisation encouraged parents of preemies to share their stories and got one big article published in a national online magazine Visir. View more (in Icelandic)
Iran
Moheb Yas Women’s Hospital: Parents, nurses, students and physicians were welcomed in the neonatal unit. Posters were installed on the walls. The hospital chairman acknowledged the caregivers with a letter of appreciation. The celebration was held as magnificent as last years.
Ireland
Irish National Health Alliance: Every NICU in Ireland received a NICU hamper from the INHA on November 17th containing premature baby clothing, linen, blankets, hats, incubator covers, kangaroo mothercare sweaters, cosynests, journals and pens, toiletries, waterwipes, boxes of chocolates, angel gowns, water bottles, handwashing tags and much more. Purple illumination of Landmarks to celebrate the 4500 babies born too early in Ireland this year again, many Irish landmarks were illuminated in purple light on the night of November 17th. Furthermore a medical symposium and workshops were held e.g. on empowerment, education, and partnership and a nationwide media coverage on the issue of preterm birth was achieved. View more (Facebook)
Italy
Vivere Onlus/Piccino Picciò: Purple light campaign “M’illumino di viola” which united people all over Italy in raising awareness on NICUs, preemies and their families, nurses, and doctors. Symposium together with Il Bucaneve about future clinical care procedures for preterm infants in Messina. A photo exhibition, a prize draw and baloon flying at the hospital M.P. Arezzo in Ragusa. In many parts of Italy they had a lots of activities organized by the associations who are members of Vivere Onlus: Florence, Prato, Modena, Padua, Milan, Syracuse, Naples, Turin, Pisa, Lucca, Viareggio, Parma, Mantua, Como, Bologna, Mestre, Taranto, Ragusa, Messina and many others. The activities took place in hospitals, in theaters, in conference halls, etc. View more (Website Piccino Piccio in Italian)
Insieme Per Crescere Onlus: Besides an info point with experts informing about preterm birth there was a photo exhibition “Piccolissimo me” at the Bolognini hospital in Seriate and a playground for kids where games were organised by a therapist. At the library in Costa Volpino there was a book release of the autobiographic story of a mother and her preterm son, accompanied by neonatal experts. View more (in Italian)
Kenya
County Innovation Challenge Fund: World Prematurity Day has been the vehicle to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide. Kenya is ranked no. 15 globally with the highest number of premature births out of 188 countries. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has noticeably reduced infant mortality amongst preterm born babies – hence a campaign was launched on WPD promoting KMC as a low-cost, high-impact measurement to decrease infant mortality. Infographics were distributed for free download. View more
Lithuania
Neisnesiotukas: Illuminating the cityhall of Vilnius, the Vilnius Zverynas Bridge, the Lietuvos Energija building, the singing oak tree in Ukmerge, the Mercure Hotel in Marijampole, the cityhall of Marijampole, the culture palace in Marijampole, the community centre in Pasvalys, the familytheatre “Art”, and the community centre of Klaipeda. Reunions and celebrations in the University Hospital in Vilnius and the clinic in Siauliai. View more (Facebook in Lithuanian)
Padedu augti: The gynaecological-, obstetrical- and neonatal units in clinics in Kaunas invited preterms, their mothers and family members to gather to celebrate and raise awareness for preterm birth. Chaplains blessed the babies and their mothers. There were relaxing massages for mother and child followed by an art therapy. View more (Facebook in Lithuanian)
The Republic of North Macedonia
Lulka – Association for care and education: A gathering with Macedonian experts in neonatology and the deputy minister of health was held at the Aleksandar Palace Hotel where drawings of former preterm children were exhibited. A Family day in Skopje was organised and a special newsletter sent to the network. View more (Facebook in Macedonian)
Malaysia
University of Malaya Medical Centre: The Medical Centre organised a big open air event with a Superpreemie Run with children, parents and medical staff participating on behalf of World Prematurity Day. View more (Facebook)
The Netherlands
Erasmus MC Rotterdam: Sophia Kinderziekenhuis celebrated WPD with decorations and was supported by mascot Olli, the elephant. Several Landmarks in Rotterdam were lit in purple e.g. the Erasmus Bridge and the Hofplein Fountain. View more (Facebook in Dutch)
Vereniging van Ouders van Couveusekinderen/Kleine Kanjers: Development and publication of the book “Borstvoeding geven aan je prematuur” (Breastfeeding your preterm infant); A poster of the 2017 theme “Together we care” was sent to all hospitals highlighting the partnership of parents and healthcare professionals in the daily care. 2000 copies of VOC’s quaterly were distributed to the parents in the hospitals; a Symposium for healthcare professionals; illumination of about 20 buildings all around the country; Photoshootings in about 30 hospitals with preterm infants and their parents. In Blogposts on the organisations website parents could share their experiences and personal stories. View more (in Dutch)
Oman
Poland
Fundacja Wczesniak: Magdalena Sadecka-Makaruk, the founder of Fundacja Wczesniak, has been invited as a guest of the Polish TV show “Questions for breakfast” and talked about the foundation and the emotions of parents of preterm babies. Fundacja Wczesniak also participated in several family events in cooperation with hospitals in Poland, like a special “prom” event for preterm children. View more (in Polish)
Wczesniakowo in support of Fundacja Swiadomi Rodzice: Gathering of preterm children and their parents at a kindergarden in Ruda Slaska in the South of Poland. The motto of the day focused on the challenges and achievements of these little patients. View more (Website Wcesniakowo, in Polish)
Portugal
Pais Prematuros in close cooperation with the Hospital São João: Family event with the screening of a movie and an exhibition of artworks related to the subject of prematurity. In a handicraft workshop, visitors could make little presents for babies on the neonatology unit. Later, people gathered for a flashmob in the garden of the hopital and after visiting a mass, the day was rounded off with a cosy get-together with cake and the hand-over of the little presents to the unit. View more (Facebook, in Portuguese)
XXS – Associação Portuguesa de Apoio ao Bebé Prematuro: XXS started a campaign called XXS – XXL “Pequeno no tamanho, Grande no coração” (small in size, big at heart) that directly involves Portuguese families. They asked people to knit hats and babysuits for preterm babies in neonatal intensive care units. On their website, they provided DIY videos with knitting instructions. They also presented the campaign on various occasions, e.g. at a Conference for Neonatology in Covilhã, a city in the Centro region in Portugal. View more (website XXS)
Asociatia Unu si Unu: At a family event at the municipal hospital in Bucharest, preterm children and their parents returned to the hospital they had been treated after their birth and celebrated their successful struggle to survive and to thrive, and where they united and strengthened each other. They had fun and took gorgeous pictures in a photo cabin. Besides this, Unu si Unu started the “I care” campaign in which mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, and many more people, expressed their support of WPD. In addition, 35 painters donated their work to collect funds. Company staff members as well as private persons also contributed and gave money for new projects and NICU equipment. View more (Facebook)
Asociatia Prematurilor: For this year’s WPD, Asociatia Prematurilor highlighted the importance of Kangaroo Care and celebrated the introduction of Kangaroo Care including special equipment like Kangaroo charis at the Spitalul Clinic Dr. I. Cantacuzino with a colourful family event. In parallel to this, they created an awareness campaign to highlight the importance of skin-to-skin care in maternal units in Romania in which they encouraged their followers on social media to share their personal story of preterm birth. They also featured best practice examples of hospitals in the country. View more (in Romanian)
Baby Care Sibiu: Baby Care Sibiu celebrated WPD with three events. First, they organised a festive meeting and unforgettable evening with “little heroes”, former patients of a neonatal intensive care unit and their families. Second, they released an emotional book of parents whose children had been on the neonatal unit in Sibiu. It is especially targeted at mothers who experiences the challenges of preterm birth for the first time in their lives and who need support. Third, a great project for the support of families was launched in the NICU in Sibiu. The story of “NICU graduates” and positive messages were projected on the floor to support affected families and visitors of the unit. In addition, a digital information centre was installed in the unit that provides useful information for parents, like prematurity, complications, care procedures, lactation, etc. View more (Facebook)
South Africa
Huggies(R) (South Africa): To show their support to parents and premature babies in South Africa, Huggies® donated 100 cases of Huggies® Preemie nappies, that is 3 000 nappies in total, to a Neonatal Care Unit at Tembisa Hospital in Tembisa, Johannesburg. The company also encouraged South Africans to wear purple and to purchase the official R10 World Prematurity Day sticker at Toys R Us, South Africa, who collaborated with them. View more (Website News24)
Spain
Taiwan
Countless buildings wer lit in purple in Taipeh including the Opera, the Taipeh World Trade Centre, the Kaohsiung Financial Centre, Hotels and Temples. There were meet ups with former preterms, their parents and hospital staff, a press conference on preterm birth organised by the National Health Department, charity activities supported by athletes and festive activities in hospitals. View more (Facebook in Chinese)
