An estimated 15 million babies throughout the world, are born prematurely every year. That is more than one in every ten babies born around the world. Of the 15 million babies born prematurely, more than one million die due to complications from preterm birth. November 17th is World Prematurity Day. According to the March of Dimes, the premature birth rate is getting worse. And, it is equally as bad in developed countries. In the United States it was 9.8 percent in 2016, which is higher than almost all other developed nations. 75% of premature deaths around the world are preventable. World Prematurity Day is meant to bring light to the number of babies born prematurely every year while working to limit the number of premature births and deaths due to complications.
Every year cities and countries around the world light it purple on November 17th. In 2017 buildings and bridges around the world, including the Empire State Building lit the world purple for Prematurity Day. How is your community helping us light the world purple this year?
Learn more at March of Dimes.
