September 17 is one of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global public health days called World Patient Safety Day. It was established in 2019 by the 72nd World Health Assembly through the adoption of resolution WHA 72.6 – ‘Global Action on Patient Safety ‘. The day focuses on preventing and reducing risks, errors, and harm that patients face. In modern society, it is important to understand the implications of negligent patient care and work toward modern standards regarding patient care.
The main objective of World Patient Safety Day is to increase public awareness, enhance global understanding and call for solidarity and united action by all countries and international partners to increase patient safety and reduce patient harm.
Objectives of World Patient Safety Day 2022:
- RAISE global awareness of the high burden of medication-related harm due to medication errors and unsafe practices, and ADVOCATE urgent action to improve medication safety.
- ENGAGE key stakeholders and partners in the efforts to prevent medication errors and reduce medication-related harm.
- EMPOWER patients and families to be actively involved in the safe use of medication.
- SCALE UP implementation of the WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge: Medication Without Harm.
Commemorating World Patient Safety Day 2022
To observe the day, WHO is organizing a series of webinars on medication safety and is producing a number of medication safety solutions and technical products in 2022. On and around 17 September 2022, WHO will organize a wide range of activities and host a global virtual event. Celebrations will include lighting up of Geneva’s Jet d’Eau in orange color. Member States and partners are invited to participate in the global campaign by pledging to implement the WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge: Medication Without Harm, organizing activities, holding events, and lighting up iconic monuments in orange in support of medication safety.
