About 10% of all babies in Israel - are born prematurely (premature). This is about 16,000 babies every year*.
"Premature", according to the definition of the Ministry of Health, is any baby born before the 37th week of pregnancy.
Premature babies are at risk of severe morbidity and medical complications. Some do not last long and die in the hospital. The others do not receive the care they deserve, causing great suffering to them and their families. This population of premature babies are at high risk of severe morbidity and even death, even in the late weeks of birth.
Unlike children born on time. The premature is not only a "baby that needs to grow" but may suffer from immaturity of various systems such as the nervous system, breathing, improper development of organs and systems, poor development and more. Also, a preemie who develops infections is four times more likely to develop cerebral palsy and disabilities.
Unfortunately, about 50% of the deaths of babies in Israel are the product of miscarriages. The mortality rate of premature infants weighing 500-1000 grams in Israel is among the highest among developed countries and is about 40%, this is compared to 30% percent in the USA and only 20% percent in Australia and Germany.
Even if premature babies "survive" the morbidity and medical complications, they are required to continue treatment and special medical follow-up. In addition, their parents face a difficult and unique struggle in itself. Insufficient maternity leave, loss of working days, reserves, special equipment and more.
Also, there is a critical shortage of neonatologists and specialists, which endangers the continued existence of this profession. A severe shortage is also felt in the standards of the nurses, something that severely affects the infection rates of the premature babies with various diseases in the baby and even increases the mortality rate.
Miscarriage is trauma. Trauma for the baby, trauma for his parents as well as a unique coping for the factors that accompany the premature baby and his family from the moment of birth and during the first critical years. There are many influencing factors that can improve the health and quality of life of premature babies. The State of Israel must provide for the special needs of premature infants and their families.
The Forum for Premature Children in Israel was founded on this basis.
* According to the CBS data, in 2012 there were 166,800 births and in 2013 there were 170,000 births, the number of births increases by about 2.5% per year, in recent years.
The Forum for Premature Babies in Israel was established on September 1, 2011 with the aim of uniting forces and cooperating for the sake of newborns in Israel.
It is a representative, non-profit organization whose main purpose is to raise awareness and place on the public agenda all the issues relevant to the health and quality of life of premature infants and their families in Israel.
The forum operates on the basis of a central agenda and takes steps to implement it. Its main goals are: (1) raising awareness and (2) improving the health and well-being of premature babies and their families.
Its main actions:
The members of the forum:
The forum's activity is supported through grants and sponsorships from organizations and companies. However, it is clarified that the Forum for Premature Children in Israel is solely responsible for initiating the activities, publications and communication surrounding them, including the content and materials related to these activities.
agenda
1. Proper care of newborns and premature infants
1.1 Severe shortage of professional medical staff and equipment (including paramedical services).
1.2 Financing the care of premature babies and its designation for this purpose.
2. Adequate care for the families of newborns and premature babies after discharge from the hospital
2.1 The continuation of treatment and developmental follow-up and its accessibility.
2.2 Discrimination of premature infants in insurance.
2.3 Social and other needs.
2.4 Prophylactic treatment against "premature virus" (RSV).
The report on the state of premature infants is published by the "Forum for Premature Infants in Israel", and provides a comprehensive (5-yearly) comparative review of the state of premature infants in Israel. The report is published every year and refers to the various aspects related to the health and quality of life of premature infants and their families, starting with initial care and follow-up the development that the newborn receives, including the social conditions to which premature infants and their families are entitled. It refers, among other things, to the level of morbidity and mortality, the quality of medical care and the social rights received by premature infants and their parents.
Report on the status of premature infants for the years 2008-2012
Report on the situation of premature babies for the years 2009-2013
"World Prematurity Awareness Day" is observed around the world during the month of November, every year. This day is marked with the aim of raising the level of awareness among the general public about the special needs of babies born before their time (premature babies), putting on the government's agenda the issues that require state care, as well as collecting donations and coordinating other activities for the purpose of improving the health and quality of life of premature babies and their families.
Associations, doctors' organizations and other bodies around the world work to promote these goals, defined by me EFCNI, the European umbrella organization for the promotion of abortion.
Israel has also been celebrating Prematurity Day since 2009. The Knesset of Israel dedicates a special plenary session to this day and relevant issues are brought up for discussion in the various Knesset committees. The due date is also a platform for supporting legislation and monitoring the issues surrounding the issue. The prematurity day activities in the Israeli Knesset are led by a MK Orly Levy-Abacsis in collaboration with LHB association andThe Israeli Association for Neonatology, which together form the "Forum for Premature Infants in Israel", which is also responsible for other activities within the framework of this day, which are also carried out in the media arena, in the hospitals and through other activities and events.
This day is an important global opportunity to discuss the many difficulties and risks associated with premature babies, as well as to promote the needs of the families of premature babies and the medical staff who care for them.
activity support
International Prematurity Day in Israel is produced every year through the kind assistance of commercial bodies and companies. Among them supported the activities: Maxima Medical, the blog for pregnancy, birth and parenting - 2bmommy.co.il, Similac/, Abbott Laboratories Haim Kleer & Co. - Attorney and Notary Office, "Eitan Liraz & Co. Attorney's Office, Artra, Stylemedic, Amos Gazit Ltd., AbbVie Israel, the open space - a therapeutic horse riding farm, Mival'a - a center for parents and children and more.
We call on other bodies and companies to contribute to this important activity.
Sponsorship request letter
for donations and assistance
Please contact the LAH association by phone: 03-9533935 or by email: info@pagim.net
The Lehab Association - For Premature Infants in Israel (AR) is a nationwide association established by parents of premature infants and former premature infants for the purpose of promoting and improving the condition of premature infants in Israel, their families, and premature infants in Israel and to reduce the number of premature infants born each year and increase awareness of the dangers of miscarriages.
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