WHO will observe World Patient Safety Day on 17 September 2020, launching a global campaign to emphasize the importance of health worker safety as a priority for patient safety.
The campaign aims to mobilize patients, health workers, health leaders, policy-makers, academics, researchers, professional networks, the private sector and health care industry to speak up for health worker safety to improve the overall safety of health care, and reduce the risk of harm, both to health workers and patients.
What is World Patient Safety Day about?
Recognizing patient safety as a global health priority, all 194 WHO Member States at the 72nd World Health Assembly, in May 2019, endorsed the establishment of World Patient Safety Day (Resolution WHA72.6), to be marked annually on 17 September. The objectives of World Patient Safety Day are to increase public awareness and engagement, enhance global understanding, and spur global solidarity and action to promote patient safety.
Objectives of World Patient Safety Day 2020:
Raise global awareness about the importance of health worker safety and its interlinkages with patient safety
Engage multiple stakeholders and adopt multimodal strategies to improve the safety of health workers and patients
Implement urgent and sustainable actions by all stakeholders which recognize and invest in the safety of health workers, as a priority for patient safety
Provide due recognition of health workers’ dedication and hard work, particularly amid the current fight against COVID-19
Light up a monument in the colour orange
During these unprecedented times, a combination of virtual and other activities is being planned by WHO to observe and celebrate the Day in September. The signature mark of the global campaign is to light up iconic monuments, landmarks, and public places in orange colour, in collaboration with local authorities. This will also be a gesture of respect and gratitude to all health workers.
Source: UN News
