Geneva, Switzerland | September 17, 2025
The World Health Organization has warned that unsafe medical care remains a leading contributor to child mortality and long-term disability, particularly in the earliest stages of life.
Marking this year’s World Patient Safety Day under the theme “Patient safety from the start!”, the global health body emphasized that millions of child deaths each year are preventable with safer care practices. The 2025 campaign spotlights paediatric safety, framing it as a cornerstone for achieving Universal Health Coverage.
According to WHO, children and newborns face heightened risks from medication errors, diagnostic mistakes, infections acquired in healthcare settings, surgical complications, and unsafe use of medical devices. The organization described unsafe care as a “silent crisis” that disproportionately affects the youngest patients.
WHO called on governments, health workers, and communities to strengthen patient safety systems, invest in child-focused healthcare, and engage families to reduce avoidable harm and protect the most vulnerable.
