By The Respondent Reporter
Tanzania has joined the World Health Organization (WHO) in observing World Patient Safety Day, a global initiative held every September 17 to raise awareness, engage communities, and strengthen patient safety at all levels of healthcare.
This year, the campaign’s theme, “Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child,” emphasizes “Patient Safety from Birth.”
The message highlights the urgent need to ensure that every newborn and child receives healthcare that is safe, high-quality, and free from preventable harm.
The government continues to make strides in improving services for newborns and children. Specialized
Neonatal Care Units (NCUs) have grown from 14 wards in 2018 to 362 as of June 2025.
In addition, over 8,000 healthcare providers are receiving training this year to strengthen their skills in neonatal care. All health facilities are being encouraged to establish NCUs in line with national guidelines.
The Ministry of Health is also intensifying efforts to monitor and evaluate health services, ensuring standards of quality and safety are met.
Parents, guardians, and communities are being actively engaged to safeguard the rights of patients and newborns and promote a culture of safe healthcare.
Officials emphasized that patient safety starts from birth and requires collective effort from healthcare providers, families, and the wider community to ensure no child suffers preventable harm.