World Patient Safety Day
Recognizing patient safety as a global health priority, all 194 WHO Member States at the 72nd World Health Assembly, in May 2019, endorsed the establishment of World Patient Safety Day (Resolution WHA72.6), to be marked annually on 17 September.
The objectives of World Patient Safety Day are to increase public awareness and engagement, enhance global understanding, and spur global solidarity and action to promote patient safety. Each year, a new theme is selected to shed light on a priority patient safety area where action is needed to reduce avoidable harm in health care and achieve universal health coverage.
2025 will focus on ensuring “Patient safety from the start!” — safe, quality care for every newborn and child (birth to age nine). The campaign highlights that children are not just small adults: their care must be tailored to their age, size, developmental stage and context. Key messages include preventing harm in paediatric settings (e.g., medication errors, diagnostic mistakes, device failures, or delayed recognition of deterioration), supporting safe systems and teamwork, and engaging caregivers. The slogan calls on parents, health professionals, leaders and communities to unite to prevent avoidable harm and build safer, healthier futures for children globally.
WHO OFFICIAL WEBPAGE - https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-patient-safety-day/2025
About World Patient Safety Day
Find out More
The objective of the very first World Patient Safety Day, in 2019, was to raise global awareness about patient safety with the theme ‘Patient Safety: a global health priority’.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic unveiled the huge challenges and risks health workers face globally including healthcare-associated infections, violence, stigma, psychological and emotional disturbances, illness and even death. Therefore, the World Patient Safety Day 2020 Theme was 'Health Worker Safety: A Priority for Patient Safety'.
Considering the significant burden of harm women and newborns are exposed to due to unsafe care, the 2021 World Patient Safety Day was dedicated to the need to prioritize and address safety in maternal and newborn care, particularly around the time of childbirth, when most harm occurs. This was especially important in the context of the disruption of health services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had further compounded the situation. The official theme was 'Safe Maternal and Newborn Care'.
Medications are the most widely utilized interventions in health care, and medication-related harm constitutes the greatest proportion of the total preventable harm due to unsafe care, let alone the economic and psychological burden imposed by such harm. Acknowledging this substantial burden and recognizing the complexity of medication-related harm prevention and reduction, "Medication Safety" has been selected as the theme for World Patient Safety Day 2022.
Evidence shows that when patients are treated as partners in their care, significant gains are made in safety, patient satisfaction and health outcomes. By becoming active members of the healthcare team, patients can contribute to the safety of their care and that of the healthcare system as a whole. World Patient Safety Day 2023 was observed under the theme "Engaging patients for patient safety" in recognition of the crucial role patients, families and caregivers play in the safety of health care.
A diagnosis identifies a patient’s health problem. To reach a diagnosis, patients and their health care teams must work together to navigate the complex and sometimes lengthy diagnostic process. It involves discussion with the patient, examination, testing and review of results before reaching the final diagnosis and treatment. Errors can occur at any stage and can have significant consequences. Delayed, incorrect or missed diagnosis can prolong illness and sometimes cause disability or even death. This is why "Improving diagnosis for patient safety" and the slogan “Get it right, make it safe!” were chosen for 2024.
NACOP Webinar - WPSD - 'Accelerating High Quality Essential Newborn Care Globally' - 17th September
World Patient Safety Day (WPSD), observed annually on 17 September, is a global call-to-action led by the WHO to elevate patient safety and galvanise collective efforts worldwide. This year, the focus is on newborns and children, who face disproportionately high risks of harm in healthcare settings. WHO urges urgent action to eliminate avoidable harm in paediatric and neonatal care, emphasising every child's right to safe, quality care. The campaign's objectives include raising awareness, mobilising stakeholders, empowering families, and strengthening safety research
This webinar is proudly hosted by ISQua’s North America Community of Practice (NACOP) - a vibrant network of quality improvement and patient safety specialists advancing health and social care excellence across the region.
Welcome & Introduction - Dr Ulfat Shaikh
Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Director of Healthcare Quality at UC Davis Health, Chair of the AAP Council on Quality Improvement & Patient Safety, and Associate Editor at PSNet. With 25 years of pediatric practice and leadership in health systems improvement, Dr Shaikh sets the stage for a deep dive into ensuring safety for our youngest patients.
Presentation 1 — Dr Beena Kamath-Rayne
Traces the origin story of Helping Babies Breathe, its lessons, and how it evolved into the WHO Essential Newborn Care course.
Highlights the integration of Quality Improvement (QI)
Introduces the Customized Mentorship and Implementation Support Package (CRISP)—a tailored approach to bolster newborn and child care safety.
Presentation 2 — Dr Hasan Merali
Shares insights from the ENC CRISP project in Tanzania, featuring data, evaluation, and real-life anecdotes.
Demonstrates impact and implementation strategies in low-resource settings—aligned with WPSD’s call for equitable and safe newborn care.
Discussion
Facilitated by Dr Ulfat Shaikh, bringing together insights, reflections, and Q&A—framing the presentations within broader systems improvement and WPSD’s mission.
What’s in It for You?
Global Perspective: This aligns with WPSD’s goal to raise awareness of paediatric safety risks in all healthcare settings, especially for newborns and children.
Actionable Strategies: Learn how proven programs—like Helping Babies Breathe and CRISP—can be implemented or adapted within your systems.
Real-World Evidence: Grounded in practical implementation and evaluation from Tanzania, offering insights into overcoming challenges in diverse healthcare environments.
Expert Leadership: Gain insight from leading voices in pediatrics, global health, and systems improvement—uniting clinical excellence with safety leadership.
Secure your spot and join us in advancing the mission of safe, high-quality care for every newborn and child.
