Today, 17 November, marks World Prematurity Day. Premature birth can affect any mother, regardless of age, ethnicity, good health, careful monitoring, or a joyful pregnancy. This experience often comes as a shock, turning lives upside down, with emotional recovery sometimes taking years.
World Prematurity Day provides an opportunity at least once a year for a wider audience to discuss this important topic and to show respect to the brave little ones, their parents, siblings, other family members, and all supporters.
One way to show support is by lighting up buildings in lilac, the symbolic colour of prematurity awareness. At the Academic Library of Tallinn University, we too have turned purple for the day, demonstrating our care and solidarity with the smallest among us, their loved ones, and their supporters.
Each year, World Prematurity Day adopts a theme. This year’s motto is: “Every year, more than 13 million babies are born too soon. Access to quality care everywhere!” Regardless of when or where a premature baby is born, they need the same high-quality care to ensure long-term health. Let us extend our compassion, support, and love to reach more hearts—today and every day. 💜
#PrematureBabies #WorldPrematurityDay2024
In Estonia, the initiative is led by the NGO Enneaegsed Lapsed, whose mission is to support prematurely born children, their parents, and families, while raising awareness and fostering a broader understanding of prematurity-related issues in society. You can learn more about their work and how to support them at www.enneaegsedlapsed.ee.