World Prematurity Day is observed annually on November 17 all over the world. It was introduced by the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) in 2008 to raise awareness of premature births and the need to address the pressing issues faced by doctors and families of premature babies. After all, the birth of a premature baby is a serious challenge for parents who need not only quality treatment, but also psychological counseling. In our Republic, this day has been observed since 2013; currently, events within the framework of World Prematurity Day are held in more than a hundred countries around the world.

Since 2008, in accordance with approved international standards, in the presence of signs of live birth, all newborn children born at a preterm period of 22 weeks or more (with a body mass at the time of birth 500 grams or more) are considered to be citizens of Kazakhstan and are provided with a full range of guaranteed medical care.

Currently, all favorable conditions for nursing premature babies weighing from 500 grams have been provided in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The latest studies have proven positive dynamics in the treatment of a child with the participation of the mother in caring for him/her. After training under the supervision of healthcare professionals, mothers feed their children on their own, change their position, treat, change diapers. This ensures that a bond quickly develops between the mother and child, which has a beneficial effect on the outcome of treatment. Having acquired skills in the hospital, the mother can independently care for the child after discharge - premature babies require special care. Doctors and parents work together, because both parties have one goal - a healthy baby!

Resident neonatologists of the 1st and 2nd years of the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology at KMU NCJSC in collaboration with clinical instructors actively participated in organizing and holding the World Prematurity Day in the perinatal centers of Karaganda (Regional Clinical Hospital Perinatal Center No. 1, 2) and Kostanay (Rudny) regions. Little patients born in the last 3 years were invited to the centers with their parents so that they could share their achievements and progress, mastered skills and knowledge, and support those parents who have just given birth to premature babies.

Congratulations to babies and parents, neonatologists and healthcare professionals on the World Prematurity Day! We wish you good health, happiness and prosperity!