November 16: Buildings in Prague Will Be Lit for World Prematurity Day

On November 16, buildings in Prague and across the country will be lit for World Prematurity Day.

The list of buildings include the Dancing House in Prague, Špilberk Castle and Mahen Theater in Brno, Nová Karolína shopping mall and the Mining University in Ostrava, the Town Hall in České Budějovice, the New Stage of the JK Tyl Theater in Plzeň, Bečov Chateau, the Karlovy Vary Museum, and the 14|15 Baťa Institute in Zlín. Dancing House in purple.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, an estimated 15 million babies (one in 10) are born preterm (before 37 completed weeks of gestation), and this number is rising.

The world health body says preterm birth occurs for a variety of reasons. Most preterm births happen spontaneously, but some are due to early induction of labor or caesarean birth, whether for medical or non-medical reasons.

Common causes of preterm birth include multiple pregnancies, infections and chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure; however, often no cause is identified. There could also be a genetic influence.

Babies who survive an early birth can face serious health challenges and are at risk for lifelong disabilities including breathing problems, vision loss, cerebral palsy, and intellectual delays.

About 15 million babies worldwide are born prematurely each year, and one million of them die before their first birthdays.

The event is organized by Nedoklubko, a non-governmental non-profit organization that has been supporting families after premature birth throughout the Czech Republic for 17 years.