The Empire State Building towers will light purple today in honor of the fifth annual World Prematurity Day. Parent groups and organizations worldwide are joining together to raise awareness of the serious problem of premature birth. An estimated 15 million babies around the world are born too soon every year, and nearly one million of them die due to complications of preterm birth.
The March of Dimes leads the World Prematurity Network, (WPN), a global coalition of consumer and parent groups working together to raise awareness and prevent premature birth in their countries. Through World Prematurity Day and other joint efforts, members call for action to prevent preterm birth and improve care for babies born too soon. Nearly 100 countries participated in World Prematurity Day last year with building and landmark lightings, outdoor events, petitions, and other demonstrations of support.
Learn more about what you can do to help, and show you care about premature babies at facebook.com/WorldPrematurityDay. Special thanks to the Empire State Building for supporting 2015 World Prematurity Day.
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