Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Marbella marked World Prematurity Day with the rest of the world on Monday 17th November, by illuminating the city’s most recognizable landmarks purple.
The city’s arch and “Los Tres Barcos Roundabout” were bathed with the symbolic color, bringing attention to prematurely born babies and families that care for them.
Raising Awareness and Support
The initiative seeks to raise awareness for the challenges that preterm infants face and the families who care for them, and also highlights the importance of research, neonatal care and support services. The purple lights were on all night long, sending a message to the premature babies community of hope and support.
Global significance
In 2008, the European Union established World Prematurity Day on 17 November. It is now celebrated worldwide. Each year, around one-tenth of babies suffer from premature birth. It is therefore a major health issue. This year’s campaign focuses on giving preterm infants the best start to life.
Symbol of Hope
The official campaign colour, purple, represents both the uniqueness and sensitivity of premature babies. Marbella has joined a worldwide network of cities, communities and landmarks that are lighting up their landmarks to bring awareness and support for families affected by preterm deliveries.
Families in the area were grateful for the gesture. Ana, mother of an premature baby, called it “encouraging that the city came together to support families such as ours.” It shows us that we’re not alone.”
Officials from the city said that the display was part a larger effort to unite and educate the community about the challenges that preterm infants face. By shining a light—literally—on prematurity, Marbella joins a worldwide movement to highlight the need for care, compassion, and research.
The Empire State Building and the Niagara Falls are also among the other global landmarks that will be lit up.
World Prematurity Day: Read More here
