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Ref.: C.L.20.2026
World Patient Safety Day, 17 September 2026
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) presents his compliments
to Member States and has the honour to inform them that WHO is working with international
and national stakeholders to plan for World Patient Safety Day 2026, which will be observed and
celebrated across the world on 17 September.
World Patient Safety Day was established in May 2019 by the World Health Assembly
through the adoption of resolution WHA72.6 on “Global action on patient safety”. The aims of
World Patient Safety Day, to be marked annually on 17 September, are to increase public
awareness and engagement, enhance global solidarity, and mobilize action by Member States to
promote patient safety in line with national objectives and milestones.
In recognition of the increased risk of patient safety incidents across the continuum of care
for noncommunicable diseases, the theme selected for World Patient Safety Day 2026 is “Safe
care for noncommunicable diseases”.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a global health priority, as reaffirmed by Member
States in the 2025 United Nations’ General Assembly Political Declaration on the prevention and
control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being. Strengthening safety in
NCD care is essential to achieving universal health coverage and advancing progress towards
Sustainable Development Goal 3, namely reducing premature mortality from NCDs. Addressing
patient safety in NCDs requires attention to disease-related factors, including the long-term and
complex nature of these conditions; health system challenges, such as fragmented and poorly
coordinated care; and determinants of health that may increase the risk of harm. Through the
slogan “Safe care for life!”, WHO calls for concerted efforts to improve patient safety across
the continuum of NCD care, from prevention and early detection to treatment, long-term care
and self-management. The campaign also emphasizes partnering with people with lived
experience, alongside health workers, to co-develop solutions that strengthen the design and
delivery of safe health services.
WHO headquarters, WHO regional offices, and WHO country offices will be pleased to
work with Member States to make this day a great success in 2026. Further information and the
campaign announcement are available on the WHO website.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization takes this opportunity to renew to
Member States the assurance of his highest consideration.
GENEVA, 1 June 2026
Saatja: "ola" <
[email protected]>
Teema: C.L.20.2026 (Patient Safety Day)
Kuupäev: 2026-06-01 09:00
Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga.
Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada.
Dear Member States of the World Health Organization,
Please find attached, in the six official languages, C.L.20.2026 regarding
the “World Patient Safety Day 2026”.
For any further information, kindly contact <mailto:
[email protected]>
[email protected]
Best regards,
Department of Governing Bodies
World Health Organization
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