WHO Focuses World Patient Safety Day 2026 on Safer Care for Chronic Diseases

The World Health Organization (WHO) has marked World Patient Safety Day 2026 with a focus on improving the safety of care provided to people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This year's campaign centres on the theme “Safe care for noncommunicable diseases” and carries the slogan “Safe care for life!”

NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions, often require long-term medical attention. Patients may undergo repeated consultations, diagnostic procedures, medication changes and other interventions over extended periods. The WHO campaign highlights the need to reduce avoidable harm throughout this continuum of care.

Patient safety remains a significant concern across healthcare systems. According to WHO, approximately one in every 10 patients experiences harm during healthcare, while a substantial proportion of such harm is considered preventable. Safety risks can arise at different stages, including diagnosis, medication use, treatment, communication and follow-up care.

For people managing chronic illnesses, continuity and coordination between healthcare professionals can be particularly important. Accurate information, appropriate treatment decisions and effective communication can help reduce the possibility of preventable errors and complications.

The 2026 campaign calls for greater attention to patient safety within NCD prevention, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management. WHO is encouraging healthcare professionals, policymakers, patients and other stakeholders to work towards safer systems that address risks associated with long-term care.

Through World Patient Safety Day activities, the organisation is also seeking to strengthen awareness of patient-safety practices and encourage improvements across healthcare settings. The campaign places the principle of avoiding preventable harm at the centre of efforts to improve care for people living with noncommunicable diseases.

17-09-2026