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Wear a Star Day – April 12, 2024

Wear a Star Day is observed each year on April 12. The day honors all those young children who have died and left an unfillable void among their loved ones. The grief of death is insurmountable no matter the age but it is especially unfair in the case of young children. Wear a Star Day is a day to come together and share our grief, support each other, and remember the children who were loved by their friends and family. It is a somber observation that celebrates life, no matter how short or abruptly cut off it might have been.

History of Wear a Star Day

The first observations of Wear a Star Day started in 2010 although not much is known about how the day came into being. We don’t know who started the holiday either. But the mood of the day suggests that the holiday was probably started by someone who was coping with their own grief after having lost a little one. The day is observed by pinning a star to your outfit and when someone asks what it stands for, you point out that it’s for a ‘little star’ who has passed away. You can also get your friends and coworkers to participate in the day and honor little children whose lives ended too soon.

But how are children likely to pass away? The answer unfortunately is, in very many ways. In regions of conflict, children are often the most vulnerable population. They lose their lives to weapons, hunger, harsh temperatures, and unavailability of medical care. The poorer the nation or more long-drawn the conflict, there are increasing generations of children likely to lose their lives to violence. In such cases, the mortality rate among the very young is also often high. These misfortunes can only be averted with the concerted efforts of governments and peacekeeping organizations.

Another silent killer of children can be illnesses that strike the young. Among these can be cancers, heart diseases, nerve diseases, and certain genetic illnesses. In these cases, children might lose their lives despite timely medical care. Miscarriages and natal infections are also some of the reasons why babies die young.

Wear a Star Day timeline

1830
The Father of Pediatrics is Born

Dr. Abraham Jacob came from very humble beginnings in Germany but he made a name for himself in the field of pediatrics.

1855
The Hospital for Children

The first hospital for children in the U.S. opens in Philadelphia.

1860
The First Pediatric Doctor

Dr. Abraham Jacobi becomes the first dedicated doctor of pediatrics.

1930
The Field of Pediatrics

Pediatrics officially becomes a subject of study in U.S. medical schools.

Wear a Star Day FAQs

What are the causes of child mortality?

Globally, infectious diseases, including pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria are a few of the leading causes of death for children under five.

How can we prevent child mortality?

There are several ways to do this including immediate and exclusive breastfeeding for newborn babies, having skilled attendants for antenatal, birth, and postnatal care, having access to nutrition and micronutrients, families having access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, observing set immunization timelines and awareness of danger signs in a child’s health.

What are child survival strategies?

Child survival strategies are defined as steps taken for children under five years by individuals and communities to reduce the risk, duration, and severity of an adverse health condition that detrimentally affects the survival of infants and children.

How to Observe Wear a Star Day

  1. Wear a star

    Pin a star to your outfit, wear star-shaped jewelry or dress up in star prints on Wear a Star Day. Tell your friends why you are wearing a star and ask them to join in. It is a subtle way to honor the dead.

  2. Say a prayer

    You can also observe Wear a Star Day by saying a prayer for the departed souls. Pray that they may rest in peace and that their families and loved ones find the strength to deal with their loss.

  3. Spread the word

    Spread the word about Wear a Star Day on social media. You can also donate to children’s hospitals, organizations, and research centers that specialize in pediatric health and well-being.

5 Facts About Child Mortality

  1. Low-income countries are especially disadvantaged

    About 99% of newborn deaths take place in extremely poor countries.

  2. Child deaths are frighteningly common

    In war-torn countries such as Yemen, one child dies every 10 minutes.

  3. Very young babies are especially in danger

    The neonatal period, or 28 days after the child’s birth, is the most dangerous in a baby’s life.

  4. Malnutrition can kill too

    About 45% of deaths in children under the age of five are due to malnutrition.

  5. The health of the mother matters too

    The baby of a healthy mother has fewer chances of dying young.

Why Wear a Star Day is Important

  1. Allows us to grieve

    Wear a Star Day allows us to grieve the deaths of those who have left us too young. This is a way for the loved ones of the child to find strength and comfort during a tough time.

  2. It is a way to show you care

    Even if you haven’t lost someone, Wear a Star Day is a way to show you care and empathize with those who have lost their dear ones. A small gesture can become a pillar of strength for someone who is grieving.

  3. It’s a day to advocate for pediatric health

    Wear a Star Day is also a great day to advocate for pediatric health. Urge your local government to make pediatric healthcare accessible and affordable for all.

Wear a Star Day dates

YearDateDay
2024April 12Friday
2025April 12Saturday
2026April 12Sunday
2027April 12Monday
2028April 12Wednesday

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