World Prematurity Day, 17 November
Every year since 2015, AFPNC has turned the day purple across Ghana.
About 1 in 10 babies around the world is born too soon.
The World Health Organization estimates 13.4 million babies were born preterm in 2020, and complications of preterm birth are a leading cause of death in children under five. Most of those deaths are preventable with known, affordable care.
Preterms can survive. Let them thrive.
That is AFPNC's rallying cry, and World Prematurity Day is where it is loudest. The day brings parents, nurses, doctors, leaders and survivors together to celebrate every small baby and push for the care they need.
- Visits to NICUs and mother-and-baby units, with Purple Baskets for families
- Television, radio and digital campaigns on prematurity and newborn care
- Community education on danger signs, antenatal care and Kangaroo Mother Care
- Parents and preterm survivors sharing their stories in public
- Calls on government for investment in NICU care and NHIS coverage
Join us this 17 November
You do not need to be a clinician to help. Here is how anyone can take part.
Wear purple
Dress in purple, light up your workplace or church, and share a photo to start a conversation about preterm birth.
Share a story
If your family has lived it, your story can reassure a frightened parent that preterm babies can and do survive.
Give a basket
Fund Purple Baskets for mothers spending the day in a NICU rather than at home.