Each child is entitled to safe and quality health care, from birth. However, newborns and young children are exposed to higher risks due to their rapid development, their constantly evolving health needs and the profiles of diseases that affect them. They cannot make their voices heard, and it is the adults who speak on their behalf and make decisions for them. They can also face additional difficulties according to their socio-economic situation, for example not being able to obtain the care they need. These factors make them more vulnerable when care is not specifically adapted to their age, their size, their state of health and their situation.
A single safety incident can have lasting consequences on the health and development of a child. This is why World Day for the Safety of Patients and Patients 2025 aims to ensure sure care for each newborn and each childespecially between birth and age of nine. This year’s slogan, “The safety of patients begins from birth!” »»shows how urgent it is to act early and consistently to prevent damage during childhood, which will have beneficial effects throughout life.
The WHO calls for parents, caregivers, care providers, health care officials, educators, and communities to unite their forces to prevent avoidable damage during pediatric care and to build a safer and healthier future for each child, as part of global efforts to achieve the objective of sustainable development 3.