Annually on September 17, World Patient Safety Day is marked, bringing together patients, families, caregivers, communities, health workers, health care leaders and policymakers to show their commitment to patient safety. This day of recognition was established in 2019 to enhance understanding of patient safety, increase public engagement in the safety of health care and promote global actions to improve patient safety and reduce patient harm.

This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) urges to act now for safe and respectful childbirth with the theme safe maternal and newborn care. The 2021 initiative is to raise global awareness on the issues of maternal and newborn safety, particularly during childbirth. As women’s experiences during childbirth are also affected by gender equity and violence, World Patient Safety Day emphasizes the importance of respectful care and its connection with safety. Globally, everyday nearly 5400 stillbirths occur, 810 women and 6700 newborns lose their lives, most of which can be saved through the provision of safe care.

Together, we can advocate the adoption of best practices at the point of care to prevent avoidable risks and harm to all women and newborns during childbirth.

To learn more about safe maternal and newborn care this World Patient Safety Day visit: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-patient-safety-day/2021.