Swiss hospitals mark World Prematurity Day with public events

Nearly 5,000 babies arrive early in Switzerland each year. Federal Statistical Office figures show that 4,920 babies were born prematurely in 2023, representing about 6% of all births, according to the Swiss Paediatric Society. The figures frame Sunday’s World Prematurity Day events, as hospitals and voluntary organisations invite the public to learn more about the experiences of babies and their families.

The Federal Statistical Office considers a baby premature when born before full term, meaning before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy. The effects on families can continue beyond a baby’s hospital stay. This Sunday, Lausanne University Hospital will open its neonatology department for free workshops, while hospitals and support organisations across Switzerland are marking the day with awareness events. Geneva University Hospital will hold its public programme on Tuesday.

Volunteer support reaches parents at nine Swiss hospitals. The organisation Frühchen & Neokinder Schweiz said volunteers currently support parents of premature babies at nine hospitals in the country. The group highlighted that work ahead of World Prematurity Day, which brings public attention to the needs of families facing a premature birth.

At Geneva University Hospital, parents can meet volunteers who have experienced similar circumstances themselves. Their support offers families a chance to speak with people who have been through a comparable experience. The organisation’s hospital network also illustrates how support is delivered beyond clinical care, through volunteers who accompany parents during a difficult period. The impact of premature birth can extend well beyond the time a baby spends in hospital, making family support an important part of the awareness events taking place this week.

CHUV is opening its neonatology department to the public on Sunday. Lausanne University Hospital will run free workshops, with no registration required. Visitors can learn about development-focused care and see the “Baby Rescue” neonatal ambulance, which is used to transport newborns requiring specialised care.

The programme also includes a non-competitive run organised by the hospital to support families and healthcare teams. The open-door format gives visitors a chance to encounter the work of the neonatology department through workshops and a practical demonstration, while the run brings families and healthcare staff together around the day. CHUV is among the Swiss hospitals holding events for World Prematurity Day, which raises awareness of premature birth and the challenges families can face after an early arrival.

Geneva University Hospital will host its public event on Tuesday. HUG’s programme includes a presentation of a fully equipped incubator and workshops. Parents of premature babies can also connect with volunteers who have had similar experiences.

The events in Lausanne and Geneva give the public different ways to learn about premature birth: CHUV is opening its neonatology department on Sunday, while HUG will welcome visitors on Tuesday. The occasions focus on practical information, hospital care and support for families. A premature birth is defined as one before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy, but the challenges families face can continue well beyond the hospital stay. World Prematurity Day puts those experiences in view through activities organised by hospitals and voluntary groups across Switzerland.