English
Español
Guide for Patient Organisations
This guide was tailored to support patient organisations in marking World Patient Safety Day 2025 – join us and be part of the global movement for safer care from the very start of life!
Theme: "Safe care for every newborn and every child"
Slogan: "Patient safety from the start!"
Date: 17 September 2025
Quick Overview
World Patient Safety Day (WPSD) is an official WHO campaign for all stakeholders in the healthcare system to work together to improve patient safety. It is observed annually on 17 September to enhance global understanding of patient safety, increase public engagement in healthcare safety, and promote global action to prevent and reduce avoidable harm in healthcare.
IAPO has historically contributed to the WPSD campaign. Learn more about the history and significance of World Patient Safety Day in this handbook.
2025 Theme – Safe care for every newborn and every child
With the slogan 'Patient Safety from the start!', World Patient Safety Day 2025 focuses on ensuring safe care for every newborn and child, with special attention to those from birth to nine years old. Children face higher risks due to their rapid development, evolving health needs, and different disease patterns – making advocacy for newborn and pediatric patient safety crucial.
Interactive Webinar
 |
IAPO and Patients for Patient Safety Observatory hosted an interactive webinar on 16 September to mark World Patient Safety Day 2025, titled "Engaging Families and Communities, Protecting Every Newborn and Every Child". This 60-minute interactive session brings together leading experts from the World Health Organization, UNICEF Montenegro, Joint Commission International and iCAN (International Children's Advisory Network) for a crucial conversation about protecting our most vulnerable patients. |
Webinar Recording
The webinar recording is available for you to watch on demand on IAPO's YouTube channel.
Key Messages for Your Organisation
Core Message: Every newborn and every child has the right to safe, quality healthcare from the very start of their lives. A single safety incident can have lifelong consequences for a child's health and development.
Why This Matters:
- Newborns and young children face higher risks in healthcare settings
- Children may rely on adults to speak up and make decisions for them
- Socio-economic circumstances can create additional barriers to safe care
- Early and consistent action prevents harm throughout childhood
Tips for Engaging Families & Communities
- Use clear, accessible language – Avoid medical jargon when communicating with families
- Share real stories – Patient and family experiences resonate more than statistics
- Focus on empowerment – Help children, families, and caregivers understand their rights and role in safety
- Collaborate locally – Partner with children's hospitals, paediatricians, and parent groups
- Spread the word – Share WHO’s social media posts or create your own (see instructions below)
- Make it visual – Use WHO's colourful campaign materials to catch attention. Don't forget to add the hashtags #PatientSafety and #WorldPatientSafetyDay
- Organise activities – Explore fun and creative ways to connect with children and their families. For in-person activities, you can use WHO's eye-catching posters and roll-up banners (see ideas below)
- Share your plans: Socialise how you’re marking the day. Submit your activities via WHO's event planning form or post on the Global Patient Safety Network.
- Light up landmarks: Organise monument illuminations in orange to shine a light on newborn and paediatric safety!
Access to WHO's Official Campaign Resources
WHO's official campaign website is available in all six UN languages.
All campaign assets can be found at the campaign essentials page. Tick the box at the bottom of this page, and click Download Visual Identity Materials to access everything on Canto.
Available resources in the 6 UN languages include:
- World Patient Safety Day 2025 logos
- Posters tailored for different audiences (editable files included)
- Stickers and colouring sheets for children
- Zoom backgrounds
- Social media package
- Campaign video
You can watch and share the campaign video: Patient safety from the start! Protecting every child’s health journey.
Captioned versions are available here: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish.
Social Media Captions Ready to Use
Sample Posts:
Post 1 (General Awareness):
Every child deserves safe healthcare from day one! This #WorldPatientSafetyDay, we're advocating for #PatientSafetyFromTheStart for every newborn and child. Join us in speaking up for our most vulnerable patients!
#WorldPatientSafetyDay #PatientSafety
Post 2 (Call to Action):
Parents & caregivers: YOU are your child's strongest advocate! Ask questions, speak up, and ensure your child gets the safest possible care.
#WorldPatientSafetyDay #PatientSafety
Post 3 (Educational):
Did you know? Children face unique healthcare risks due to their rapid development and evolving needs. That's why specialised, age-appropriate care is essential for every child.
#WorldPatientSafetyDay #PediatricSafety
Hashtags to Use: #WorldPatientSafetyDay #WPSD #PatientSafety #PediatricSafety #ChildPatientSafety #NewbornSafety
Action Ideas for Your Organisation
Simple Actions (1-2 hours):
- Share WHO campaign materials on social media
- Post testimonials from families about pediatric patient safety
- Create a blog post about the importance of child patient safety
- Share safety tips for parents and caregivers
Medium Engagement (Half day):
- Host a virtual discussion with parents and healthcare providers
- Organise a social media campaign throughout the week
- Create educational content about children's rights in healthcare
- Partner with local children's hospitals for joint messaging
High Impact (Full day or more):
- Organise a community event focused on pediatric patient safety
- Host training sessions for parents on healthcare advocacy
- Collaborate with schools to educate about children's patient rights – you can use WHO's Patient Safety Rights Charter
- Coordinate monument illuminations in orange
Need Support?
WHO Patient Safety Team: patientsafety@who.int
IAPO Support: antonia@iapo.org.uk
Remember
Your voice as a patient organisation is powerful! By advocating for newborn and pediatric patient safety, you're helping ensure that every newborn and every child gets the safe, quality care they deserve from the very start of their lives.
Let's make World Patient Safety Day 2025 a moment that truly makes a difference for children all over the world!