17th of November, the World Prematurity Day

November is Prematurity Awareness Month

Did you know?

  • An estimated 13.4 million babies were born preterm in 2020 (before 37 completed weeks of gestation)(1).

  • Preterm birth complications are the leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age, responsible for approximately 900000 deaths in 2019(2).


  • Three-quarters of these deaths could be prevented with current, cost-effective interventions.(3)


  • Across countries, the rate of preterm birth ranges from 4-6% of babies born in 2020.(3)


  • Thank you to the NICU caregivers around the world

    At GE HealthCare, we’re working to provide the equipment clinicians need to deliver exceptional care, but it goes beyond the equipment. We would like to thank all the NICU Caregivers for their incredible work they do on a daily basis.

  • Thermal Management in Newborn Patients

    Targeted Temperature Management for Newborns

    Maintaining optimal body temperature for newborns can be a challenge due to their underdeveloped skin, underdeveloped ability to sweat or shiver, large surface-to-body mass ratio, and higher metabolic rate. Here we share information and insights on how clinicians help keep newborns at an ideal temperature and thriving.

At GE HealthCare, we are taking actions

  • Eastern Europe - Hungary

    In Hungary, the team is working with the two parental organizations (“Melletted a helyem and “Plush Commando””) ””) to delivery great initiatives as usual that continuously raise awareness of prematurity. On 13th November, the “traditional”  Purple Food Fair will take place again at GE Hungary. It engages GE HealthCare and employees to make, sell and purchase purple cookies, scones, and smoothies. The collected fund will be donated to “Melletted a helyem” to execute neurodevelopmental care, kangaroo care or FINE programs. And A competition is going on! As one picture worth than 1000 of words the applicants should create a drawing, picture, short video to dramatize the moment when moms and babies are going home from NICU, which resonates with our “Help send moms and babies home healthy”.
    Find out more HERE (in Hungarian).
  • South Africa has done a video of baby Precious from Nelson Mandela Children Hospital in Johannesburg-South Africa, the baby, mom, as well as a doctor and a nurse who took care of this baby while in the NICU.
  • Australia has also taken part and illuminate the cities, landmarks, workplaces, and iconic buildings as the world ‘Lights it Purple’ to raise awareness and support for the preemies.

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