Celebrate with Nedoklubko at Signal Space WHO Adds World Prematurity Day to Its Official Calendar

Nedoklubko, the parent organization that has coordinated the celebrations in the Czech Republic since 2010, will mark the occasion on November 15 with a full day of events at Signal Space in Prague 1. Czech President Petr Pavel recently presented the Medal of Merit to Nedoklubko’s executive director, Lucie Žáčková, in recognition of the broader impact of caring for babies born prematurely and supporting their families.

WHO recognizes World Prematurity Day as Nedoklubko’s director receives a presidential honor

The European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants launched World Prematurity Day in 2008. WHO’s decision to designate November 15 as an official observance underscores the global impact of preterm birth.

About 6,000 babies are born prematurely in the Czech Republic each year. Nedoklubko helps families through those early days, brings their experiences into the work of neonatal care professionals, and advocates for parents to take an active role in their babies’ care in the hospital. On October 28 at Prague Castle, President Petr Pavel honored the longstanding work of the organization and thousands of health care professionals by presenting Nedoklubko’s executive director, Lucie Žáčková, with the Medal of Merit for her contributions to social welfare.

“Sixteen years ago, I stood beside my daughter Ella’s incubator. She weighed just 730 grams. When your baby is born prematurely, you need to understand what’s happening, be close to your baby, and know you’re not alone. To me, this national honor belongs to the entire Nedoklubko team, our volunteers and donors, and the health care professionals we have so much to thank for. Their care gives our children a chance at life,” said Žáčková.

Events at Signal Space and how to give through Darujme.cz

On Sunday, November 15, Nedoklubko will host two events at Signal Space, an immersive gallery where visitors of all ages can explore digital art and light installations (Rytířská 10, Prague 1).

Purple Family Gathering (1:00–4:00 p.m.) — Parents, children, and health care professionals will gather for an afternoon of play and discovery at Signal Playground. Each ticket purchased through darujme.cz/purpurovesetkani funds one welcome care package for a family with a baby in a neonatal unit.

Purple Evening | A Light for the Littlest Ones (7:00–10:00 p.m.) — The evening benefit will feature the presentation of the 2026 Purple Heart Awards to people who are changing how premature babies are cared for. Guests can explore the Signal Space gallery and see a demonstration of PAUL 2.0, a highly realistic simulator of an extremely premature infant that helps health care professionals train for neonatal care. Tickets and VIP packages are available at darujme.cz/svetlopronejmensi

Czech landmarks to light up in purple

As in years past, landmarks across the country will light up in purple on November 15 as part of the Purple Czechia (Purpurové Česko) initiative. Prague landmarks taking part include Petřín Lookout Tower, the Žižkov Television Tower, and the Dancing House. The Czech Republic joins a worldwide tradition that has seen the Sydney Opera House and Niagara Falls lit up in purple.

About Nedoklubko

Nedoklubko is a nongovernmental nonprofit that has supported families of babies born prematurely and neonatal units across the Czech Republic since 2002. It publishes resources for professionals and the public, runs the Moms for Moms (Mámy pro mámy) project, supports research and training for health care professionals, and coordinates World Prematurity Day celebrations in the Czech Republic. Learn more at https://www.nedoklubko.cz

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