World Prematurity Day, observed every year on November 17, is a global awareness day dedicated to highlighting the challenges and impact of preterm birth. It serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to improve care for preterm infants and support for their families around the world.

Launched in 2008 by EFCNI (now GFCNI) and a group of European parent organizations, the initiative quickly expanded into an intercontinental movement with the support of international co-founders: LittleBigSouls (Africa), March of Dimes (USA), and the National Premmie Foundation (Australia). Today, thousands of individuals and organizations across more than 100 countries unite through events, campaigns, and advocacy efforts to drive change and improve outcomes for babies born too soon.

On this page, you’ll find a variety of awareness materials, event ideas, and resources to help you celebrate World Prematurity Day in your community. Everyone is invited to take part –from parent organizations, hospitals, and non-profits, to medical professionals, companies, politicians, and individuals. No matter your resources, even small actions can create a big impact.

Two powerful symbols represent this day:

• The color purple, symbolizing sensitivity and uniqueness.

   

• The iconic socksline: a small pair of purple baby socks surrounded by nine full-sized socks, illustrating that 1 in 10 babies is born prematurely – worldwide.

The World Health Assembly has officially designated November 17 as World Prematurity Day! The recent WHO endorsement is a major step forward – calling on governments around the world to prioritize preterm birth in their national health agendas. 

“As one of the founding organizations of World Prematurity Day in 2008, we at GFCNI are deeply proud to see it officially recognized by the World Health Organization,“ says Silke Mader. “This milestone is a tribute to our tireless efforts together with parent and patient organizations, healthcare professionals, and advocates around the world. A heartfelt thank you to Doris, whose dedication made this endorsement possible. Together, we have turned a vision into a worldwide movement for preterm babies and their families."

“This is truly a huge milestone for the global movement for premature babies,” adds Doris Mollel, founder of the Doris Mollel Foundation in Tanzania, whose tirelessly advocacy, supported by the Tanzanian government, has been pivotal in bringing global attention to the needs of preterm infants. “This is just the beginning. Together, we are building a future where every child has a fighting chance, and every life matters.”

We are proud to unveil the official slogan for World Prematurity Day 2025:

   “Give preterm babies a strong start for a brighter future.”

This year’s message calls for urgent action to improve the health and well-being of preterm babies from the very beginning. A strong start in life helps these babies grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. It is not only the right thing to do – it’s also a smart investment in healthier, stronger societies.

The slogan draws inspiration from the WHO’s World Health Day theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures” and reflects our mission to make sure every preterm baby has the best possible start in life.

Please check back in the fall of 2025 for downloadable awareness materials and ideas on how to get involved in this global movement to support preterm babies and their families.