World Prematurity Day is November 17th

The global problem of premature birth

The March of Dimes White Paper on Preterm Birth: The Global & Regional Toll (.PDF) estimates that nearly 13 million babies worldwide are born preterm each year. Over one million of these babies die during the neonatal period due to complications of prematurity. Organizations of parents affected by a premature birth are raising awareness of the problem in their countries and taking important steps to help reduce mortality and associated disability among babies born preterm. March of Dimes is helping to bring leading parents' organizations together to collaborate on successful strategies for reducing the toll of preterm birth worldwide. Strategies include raising awareness of the problem, facilitating health care professional training and parent education and improving the quality of care for preterm babies.

Organizations currently working with the March of Dimes include:

· EFCNI (Europe)

· Little Big Souls (Austrlia)

· National Premmie Foundation (Africa)

Where the United States stands on prematurity

1 in 8 babies are born premature. Every year, more than half a million babies are born too soon in the United States. Our country’s premature birth rate has risen by 36 percent over the last 25 years. That’s serious cause for concern.

Premature birth costs society more than $26 billion a year and takes a high toll on families. Babies born just a few weeks early are at risk of severe health problems and lifelong disabilities. Premature birth is the number 1 killer of newborns.

http://marchofdimesfamilyteams.blogspot.com/

Help Fight premature birth:

· Join us on face book and learn more about the problem.

· Show your support with others from all over the world

· Update your status.

Visit Facebook.com/WorldPrematurityDay

Order Your Health Babies are Worth the Wait Tee-shirt.

The Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait T-shirts are now available to order from our vendor. These shirts are available in white or purple, short sleeve, regular or maternity style. To order individual shirts click here.

hkane@marchofdimes.com