In honour of the fifth annual World Prematurity Day which is taking place today, the Empire State Building in New York City and the Christchurch International Airport Terminal and Control Tower in New Zealand have been illuminated in purple.
With an estimated 15 million infants worldwide being born too soon every year, numerous parents groups and organisations are rallying together in order to raise awareness of the issue and highlight the gravity of premature birth.
Of the 15 million babies who arrive before their due date, nearly one million ultimately die as a result of complications associated with pre-term birth – a statistic which warrants much consideration on a global scale.
By marking Word Prematurity Day every year, members of various groups call for action in order to prevent premature birth in addition to lobbying for improved care should an infant arrive too soon.
Commenting on the gravity of the issue, executive director of the Neonatal Trust, Neil O'Styke, said: “Approximately one in 10 of babies born in New Zealand every year arrive early. That's one every 90 seconds, and over 5,000 in total.”
Highlighting the importance of the work done by neontal units around the world, he continued: “In addition to premature babies, full-term babies with health issues or complications are cared for in neonatal units.”
World Prematurity Day 2014 saw the participation of more than 100 countries worldwide last year, with many nations choosing to illuminate buildings and landmarks while other staged outdoor events, launched petitions and gathered together in various other demonstrations of support.
Irish Premature Babies - Ireland’s only registered national charity to support those with a pre-term baby - is calling on the state to provide increased services to help these families. To support their cause and donate €2, text PREM to 50300.
