World Prematurity Day

Next Upcoming Event: World Prematurity Day

YEARLY on November 17th

 This Year Wednesday November 17th 2021

The  World Prematurity Day (WPD) has been celebrated annually on November 17  since 2009 and is used to raise awareness of the burden of preterm birth globally and its associated challenges. Several countries, organizations and networks around the world engage in different activities and events to show a commitment to action on addressing the problems associated with preterm birth. The theme for this year’s WPD is: 

“Zero Separation. Act Now! Keep parents and babies born too soon together”

As we “Countdown to 2030”, we have to accelerate our collective efforts to reduce/end preventable newborn deaths. This is especially important in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA),  Central and Southern Asia where about 80% of the global neonatal deaths in 2019 occurred. SSA carries the highest of this burden, accounting for 42% of deaths, the highest premature birth rate 12% and deaths due to complications of prematurity. In Africa, this is complicated by a high birth rate and a slower annual rate of reduction in NMR. This would mean that by 2030 almost 90% of countries in SSA will not meet the SDG target of reducing neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1000 live births. 

The African Neonatal Association (ANA)’s plans for WPD 2021

This year 2021, ANA would like to use WPD to officially introduce the African Neonatal Association (ANA) which was launched on 1st September 2021. To date ANA represents 40 member countries and presents a unique opportunity for advocacy for the African newborn through collaboration between regions.  ANA aims to participate in WPD by acknowledging those countries that already have a long history of celebrating WPD and supporting those who wish to start their celebrations, however small.

# Small babies matter 

# Little babies can grow into great people

From African Neonatal Network