The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on African countries to make child and newborn safety a top priority in healthcare facilities to reduce preventable harm in medical care.
This appeal was made by the Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, in a statement marking the 2025 World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on September 17.
Janabi emphasized that patient safety is “a foundation of health care, a pillar of Universal Health Coverage, and a key pathway to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.” Highlighting this year’s theme, “Safe care for every newborn and every child,” with the slogan “Patient safety from the start!”, he noted the urgent responsibility to protect society’s youngest and most vulnerable.
The WHO official raised concerns about increasing risks for newborns and children, especially those in intensive care units, stressing that poor quality care is a greater threat than lack of access. “Alarmingly, poor quality care accounts for an estimated 60 per cent of maternal deaths and 56 per cent of neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries. These are lives we can and must save,” Janabi said.
He acknowledged progress in improving healthcare standards, revealing that 21 countries in the African Region have already adopted National Quality Policies and Strategies. These include patient safety action plans and measures like Infection Prevention and Control to reduce avoidable harm. “WHO standards endorsed by Member States are improving the quality of care for mothers, newborns, children, and small or sick infants. These efforts are making a difference. But we must do more to ensure that every patient, everywhere, receives safe care at every point of contact,” he added.
Janabi also drew attention to the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030, which focuses on safer clinical practices, enhanced workforce training, greater patient and family involvement, and health education for children. He urged African governments to raise national awareness of pediatric safety risks, empower parents and caregivers through education, invest in research and innovation, and mobilize stakeholders for sustainable healthcare improvements.
Reaffirming WHO’s vision of “a world in which no patient is harmed in health care, and everyone receives safe care, every time, everywhere,” Janabi concluded by stressing unity and collaboration. “By strengthening systems, empowering families, and placing safety at the heart of care, we can create healthier beginnings and more hopeful futures for all children in Africa. Together, we can make patient safety a reality from the very start of life,” he declared.
