A total of 24 premature babies born in the Neonatology Department of CQHCWC return the hospital to take part in the activity. [Photo by Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children]

Parents and children take part in the activity. [Photo by Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children]

Medical staff of the CQHCWC and one of the children are at the activity. [Photo by Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children]

The Neonatology Department of the Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children (CQHCWC) hosted a party on Nov 16, 2019 for children who were born prematurely at the center.

The event was held before the World Prematurity Day to call for greater attention to premature infants.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, accounting for about one in ten of all babies born worldwide.

World Prematurity Day is observed on Nov 17 each year to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families. 

Zhang Hua, president of the CQHCWC, gave a speech, warmly welcoming the premature babies to "go back home" and take part in this activity.

Zhang introduced the remarkable technical progress of the CQHCWC in the treatment of premature babies, which has brought much happiness to the affected families.

A total of 24 premature babies who were born in the Neonatology Department of CQHCWC returned to the hospital. The youngsters who spent their first days being treated in an incubator have grown into beautiful children.

The premature babies' parents shared their babies' experience of growing up, and expressed their heartfelt thanks for the careful treatment of the pediatric medical staff.

During the activities, the children gave a talented performance and then, accompanied by medical staff, they visited the neonatal intensive care rooms which were their former homes.

World Prematurity Day is an opportunity to call attention to the heavy burden of death, disability, pain and suffering that preterm birth causes. It is also a chance to talk about solutions.