WHO Yemen - World Patient Safety Day 2023: "Engaging Patients for Patient Safety" takes center stage in Yemen

Patient safety is an intrinsic element of healthcare quality, and its significance cannot be overstated. Unsafe healthcare practices can lead to severe consequences for patients, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality rates. In low- and middle-income countries, 134 million adverse events occur each year due to unsafe care in hospitals, contributing to 2.6 million deaths annually. Globally one out of ten patients experience harm in primary and ambulatory settings, with more than 50% of this harm being preventable.

The theme for World Patient Safety Day 2023 is "Engaging Patients for Patient Safety." This theme highlights the pivotal role that patients, families, and caregivers play in ensuring healthcare safety.

In Yemen, the World Health Organization is committed to aligning with global initiatives on Patient Safety Day. This alignment will be achieved through advocacy efforts targeting policymakers, hospital overseers, and healthcare practitioners. Within the context of a weakened health system and limited access to health care services due to more than eight years of conflict, WHO aims to shed light on the detrimental consequences of unsafe care, highlight international patient safety goals, and emphasize the critical roles played by healthcare providers and patients in elevating patient safety.

"Patient safety stands as a paramount determinant of healthcare quality. Evidence demonstrates that when patients are actively involved in their care as partners, it leads to significant improvements in safety, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes. By becoming active members of the healthcare team, patients can contribute to the safety of their care and the overall healthcare system. WHO is committed to redoubling its efforts in Yemen to ensure the provision of safe healthcare, empower patients, and engage with their families and caregivers. Together, we can make a profound difference in patient safety for all Yemeni families," Dr Arturo Pesigan, WHO Representative in Yemen.

To mark World Patient Safety Day, WHO in Yemen will collaborate on the following activities:

An inaugural event will be taking place at the University of Aden’s medical college with participation from senior health officials and focal points in Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population, health care workers, hospital managers, and heads of governorate health offices and district health offices. Representatives from nongovernmental organizations are also invited to participate, recognizing their important role in advancing the patient safety agenda. This event will feature interventions from quality and patient safety experts, as well as technical experts from WHO’s Yemen country office.

Hospital-Based Awareness Sessions: 14 hospitals across 14 governorates will host dedicated awareness sessions, engaging key decision-makers, hospital management, and healthcare professionals.

Distribution of Educational Material: Patient safety posters and checklists emphasizing safe childbirth and surgical protocols will be printed and disseminated across affiliated hospitals.

Join us on World Patient Safety Day as we work together to elevate patient safety in Yemen and worldwide. We believe that every second counts, and together, we can save lives through improved patient safety.

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World Patient Safety Day