World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on 17 September, was established by the World Health Assembly in 2019 to promote global awareness and action on patient safety. Rooted in the principle “First do no harm,” the day highlights urgent priorities in health care safety. This year’s theme, “Safe care for every newborn and every child,” draws attention to the vulnerability of children and newborns to preventable harm across all care settings, especially in intensive care units.
Strengthening pediatric and newborn safety is essential to achieving universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths of children under five. It also supports global initiatives such as Every Woman, Every Newborn Action Plan and the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health.
In alignment with WHO’s call for action, the Ministry of Health of Cambodia will commemorate World Patient Safety Day on 12 September 2025, under the slogan “Patient safety from the start!”. The Ministry urges all leaders of health facilities, Health Professional Councils, Health Professional Associations, development partners, health professionals, caregivers, and community leaders to take concrete steps to improve safety in childbirth, postnatal care, immunization, medication use, and infection prevention.
Together, let us ensure that every child in Cambodia receives safe, quality care—right from the beginning of life.World Patient Safety Day 2025 – Patient Safety from the Start