As the global community comes together under the theme “Over 13 million babies born too soon every year: Access to Quality Care Everywhere,” the African Foundation for Premature and Newborn Care (AFPNC) has announced a robust agenda to mark World Prematurity Day 2024 on November 17.

The foundation is taking the lead in Ghana to spotlight the challenges faced by preterm babies and their families while advocating for improved healthcare access and support systems.

World Prematurity Day serves as a rallying point for maternal and newborn health stakeholders worldwide, and this year’s theme emphasises the urgent need for equitable, quality care for preterm babies across all regions.

The AFPNC, in partnership with organisations such as the Accra College of Medicine and WaterAid Ghana, has outlined three key activities to commemorate the day:

1. The Purple for Prematurity (P4P) Summit
2. The Purple for Preemies Hangout
3. The Purple Basket Project

A Milestone in Advocacy: The Purple for Prematurity Summit

Scheduled for November 27, 2024, at the GIMPA Executive Conference Center in Accra, the Purple for Prematurity Summit will be the first multi-sectoral forum of its kind in Ghana.

The event will bring together parents, patient representatives, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and development partners to discuss sustainable solutions for preterm healthcare.

Co-chaired by Professor Efua Hesse and Miss Selina Bentoom, the Summit will feature solidarity messages from notable figures, including the Director General of Ghana Health Service, Oheneyere Gifty Anti, and representatives from UNICEF, WHO, USAID, SOGOG, and GRNMA.

Key discussions will focus on improving access to quality healthcare, fostering partnerships, and increasing investments in neonatal care to meet Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by 2030.

A Call-to-Action Statement will be adopted to reignite stakeholder commitment to advancing care for preterm babies.

Raising Awareness: The Purple for Preemies Hangout

On November 30, 2024, the Purple for Preemies Hangout will take place at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua.

This public awareness campaign will highlight the social impact of prematurity, featuring heartfelt discussions from parents and patients who will share their lived experiences.

The event seeks to shift public perceptions and inspire community-wide support for families of preterm babies.

Spreading Hope: The Purple Basket Project

The commemorations will conclude with the Purple Basket Project, also on November 30, 2024, at the Eastern Regional Hospital.

This initiative will distribute essential items to preterm babies and their mothers in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), reinforcing the AFPNC’s commitment to supporting families during their most challenging times.

The Urgency of Action

Globally, 15 million babies are born prematurely each year, with preterm birth complications remaining the leading cause of death among children under five.

In Ghana, preterm births account for a significant portion of neonatal deaths, highlighting the need for urgent interventions.

Miss Selina Bentoom, founder of the AFPNC, stressed the importance of collective action:

“At AFPNC, we are driven by a vision where every preterm baby has the chance to survive and thrive. World Prematurity Day is a call to action for all—healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities—to champion the future of these tiny lives through innovation, care, and sustained advocacy.”

She called on the public, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and organizations to support the cause and ensure a brighter future for preterm babies and their families.

About AFPNC

The African Foundation for Premature and Newborn Care has been at the forefront of advocating for quality care for preterm babies and their families in Ghana.

Through partnerships, innovative initiatives, and community outreach, the foundation continues to make strides in reducing neonatal mortality and improving healthcare standards.

For more information on AFPNC and its World Prematurity Day 2024 activities, visit afpncvoice.org.