17th November: World Prematurity Day

World Prematurity Day (17 November) is a global movement to raise awareness of premature birth and the sometimes devastating impact it can have on families. On this day Bliss comes together with partners from around the world to talk about premature birth in our countries and to raise awareness about the hurdles babies and parents face, and overcome, every single day. Premature birth is a very serious health problem. It is the leading cause of death in children under the age of five worldwide. Babies born too early may have more health issues than babies born on time, and may face long-term health problems that affect the brain, the lungs, hearing or vision. World Prematurity Day on November 17 raises awareness of this serious health crisis. The U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, and preterm birth rates in our country are continuing to rise. This urgent health crisis is fueled by the health equity gap in our health care system that puts women and babies of color at the greatest risk. “World Prematurity Day 2020Theme | Together for babies born too soon – Caring for the future”