Before we look at what World Patient Safety Day is, it is important to understand WHO, and no we are not discussing Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle or Keith Moon today. For those who do not know, WHO refers to the World Health Organization.

Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization’s goals are firmly rooted in the basic principles of the right to health and well-being for all people. They aim to expand universal health coverage and direct and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies.

Now that we have established WHO, onto what. At its core, World Patient Safety Day is an annual event focusing on one major international health concern per year. The focus in 2026 is noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Noncommunicable diseases are long-term conditions which require ongoing care. Some of the conditions under this umbrella include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. These diseases effect every age group and every walk of life globally, and on an international scale.

In an effort to spread awareness about these conditions, and improve global healthcare, the World Health Organisation has published four main campaign messages. These are:-

  • People living with NCDs must be partners in safe care.
  • Strong, integrated health systems and a supported health workforce are essential for safe care.
  • Risks must be addressed across the continuum of care and in daily life.
  • People living with NCDs are at increased risk of harm in health care.

The World Health Organisation says that 1 in 10 patients are harmed during health care with the risk of harm significantly increasing for cancer patients, with up to 1 in 3 suffering from adverse events during care.

Even beyond those who are the victim of adverse events, what these statistics don’t show are the secondary victims. Friends, family, and communities, when an individual suffers, silent victims are often forgotten. Therefore, events like World Patient Safety Day are not only important as a medium of spreading awareness to improve universal healthcare, but also as a reminder that more people are affected by adverse events then initially come to mind.

So why not show your support?

Of course, the World Health Organization appreciate donations, but beyond money, participation both active and passive is important. From watching the Jet d’Eau in Geneva light up the night in orange for safe care for life, to checking on those in your community who suffer from NCDs, what are you doing on 17 September to play your part?

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and please take the time to spread awareness however you can. If you would like to read more about the World Health Organisation or Patient Safety Day visit their website at .

If you or a loved one have suffered from an adverse event while in care or receiving treatment, we would be happy to talk to you and help you understand your legal rights.