Chiesi Launches Groundbreaking NICU Campaign and Documentary to Shed Light on Premature Births

Premature births consistently interrupt the expected narrative of pregnancy, intertwining moments of vulnerability with astonishing resilience. In an effort to tackle this critical issue, Chiesi, a prominent international biopharmaceutical group based in Parma, Italy, has initiated a bold campaign titled *Unscripted Beginnings: A Fragile Start, a Strong Future*. This initiative aims to raise awareness about premature births and the unique challenges that families and healthcare providers face.

Launched in conjunction with World Prematurity Day on November 17, the campaign emphasizes the experiences of families, healthcare professionals, and the vital role of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in supporting premature infants. The statistics are staggering, with over 13 million preterm births globally each year, representing 1 in 10 births. Tragically, this high number correlates with approximately 1 million related deaths, underscoring the urgent need for public education on the challenges that accompany premature births.

Philip Breesch, Executive Vice President of Franchise Care at Chiesi, highlights, "The *Unscripted Beginnings* campaign aims to draw attention to the stark realities and prevailing hopes within NICUs." By showcasing the fragility and strength of these infants, the campaign underscores the critical importance of specialized care in ensuring that these babies receive a strong start and a brighter future.

With over three decades of commitment to neonatology, Chiesi has been tirelessly collaborating with healthcare professionals to bolster outcomes for premature infants. The organization participates in strategic partnerships and invests in groundbreaking research that births innovative treatments designed to better neonatal care. "Our commitment has facilitated improved survival rates and health outcomes for preterm infants across more than 80 countries," Breesch notes.

Complementing the campaign, Chiesi introduces *The Edge of Life*, an immersive documentary that promises a profound look into the NICU experience. Directed by Giulio Di Sturco, the documentary arose unexpectedly during a vacation in Tuscany, where Di Sturco met neonatology expert Charles Roehr. Their conversation, sparked by the sight of Di Sturco's premature daughter’s unique pacifier, inspired the creation of this revealing documentary.

Initially conceived as a photography project, *The Edge of Life* transformed into a film after a week immersed in Bristol's NICU, where Di Sturco recognized that film could capture the genuine essence of the NICU—the sounds, the timelessness, and the emotional gravity of this extraordinary space. The documentary even includes innovative formats such as 360-degree footage, simulating the view from within an incubator, providing audiences with a more visceral understanding of a newborn's world.

Ultimately, the documentary aims to shine a light on not just the medical procedures, but the emotional rollercoaster experienced by families, doctors, and nurses within the NICU. Di Sturco expresses his hope: "We want to unveil truths that many are unaware of unless they have stepped inside. This project is our way of giving back for what was once given to me—a chance to tell the stories of these brave little fighters and their devoted caregivers."

As the campaign unfolds, the world will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those impacted by prematurity, igniting conversations aimed at fostering empathy and support for families navigating this tumultuous journey.