World Prematurity Day

Category: Health
World Prematurity Day around the world in 2025
Image by Denise Johnson , from Unsplash. CC0

About World Prematurity Day

How long until World Prematurity Day?
World Prematurity Day .
Dates of World Prematurity Day
2026 InternationalNov 17
International Tue, Nov 17Observances Holiday
2025 InternationalNov 17
International Mon, Nov 17Observances Holiday
2024 InternationalNov 17
International Sun, Nov 17Observances Holiday
2023 InternationalNov 17
International Fri, Nov 17Observances Holiday
2022 InternationalNov 17
International Thu, Nov 17Observances Holiday
Summary
World Prematurity Day on November 17 raises awareness of this serious health crisis.

 Prematurity is the leading killer of America's newborns and affects 15 million babies worldwide each year. It is the leading cause of death in children under the age of five worldwide. Those who survive often have lifelong health problems, including cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, chronic lung disease, blindness and hearing loss.

Key facts

  • Every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm (before 37 completed weeks of gestation), and this number is rising.
  • Preterm birth complications are the leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age, responsible for approximately 1 million deaths in 2015.
  • Three-quarters of these deaths could be prevented with current, cost-effective interventions.
  • Across 184 countries, the rate of preterm birth ranges from 5% to 18% of babies born.

More than 60% of preterm births occur in Africa and South Asia, but preterm birth is truly a global problem. In the lower-income countries, on average, 12% of babies are born too early compared with 9% in higher-income countries. 

This day, part of the monthlong Prematurity Awareness Month seeks to raise awareness about the seriousness of this problem.

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