World Patient Safety Day: Championing Childhood Protection Against Harm
On World Patient Safety Day, which is observed every year on September 17, the focus is on enhancing patient safety awareness globally. This year, the theme is ‘Patient safety from the start!’, highlighting the critical need for early and sustained action to prevent harm, particularly in children. The initiative emphasizes that patient safety is a priority on the global health agenda, as recognized by the resolution WHA 72.6, which established this day to promote safety in health care settings.
Every child deserves access to safe, high-quality health care right from birth. Unfortunately, newborns and young children are often at increased risk due to their rapid growth, unique health requirements, and varying disease patterns. These young patients depend heavily on adults to advocate for them and make informed health decisions. Additionally, socio-economic factors can hinder access to necessary care, further increasing their vulnerability. As a result, tailored care that considers their age, size, health conditions, and contextual factors is essential to mitigate risks.
A single incident of safety mishap can lead to long-lasting repercussions on a child’s health and development. Therefore, World Patient Safety Day 2025 is dedicated to ensuring that every newborn and child receives safe care, particularly focusing on those aged from birth to nine years. The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for immediate action to eliminate preventable harm in pediatric and newborn care under the slogan ‘Patient safety from the start!’
This year’s observance aims to foster substantial improvements in patient safety, reaffirming every child’s entitlement to safe and quality care. The initiative encourages a collaborative effort among:
- Parents and caregivers
- Health practitioners
- Health care leaders
- Educators
- Communities
Together, these groups can work to avert avoidable harm in pediatric care, contributing to a healthier future for all children and supporting the global aim of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.
The main objectives of World Patient Safety Day 2025 are:
- Enhance global awareness about safety risks in pediatric and newborn care across all health care settings, focusing on the specific needs of children, families, and caregivers.
- Mobilize key stakeholders such as governments, health care organizations, professional bodies, and civil society to foster sustainable strategies for safer care for newborns and children as part of broader patient safety initiatives.
- Empower parents and caregivers by promoting education, awareness, and their active involvement in health care.
- Advocate for increased research on patient safety in pediatric and newborn care.
The Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030 addresses pediatric and newborn safety through various strategic objectives. These include:
- Designing safe clinical processes
- Strengthening health workforce competencies
- Engaging patients and families
- Establishing learning systems to prevent harm
The plan also emphasizes the importance of patient safety education, proposing a dedicated curriculum for older school-aged children. This initiative aims to equip them with vital knowledge about safety principles and the importance of self-advocacy in health care environments.
World Patient Safety Day serves as a pivotal reminder of the collective responsibility we share in ensuring that every child receives safe and effective health care from the moment they are born. By raising awareness and mobilizing action, we can significantly reduce the risks faced by our youngest populations and contribute to a healthier future for all.
