Progress on patient safety across health systems around the world

Member States recognised the significant progress that has been made in implementing the resolution WHA72.6 on global action on patient safety and the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030 during a progress report session at WHA 78 on 23 May 2025.  

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted improvements made in 108 countries listed in the Global Patient Safety Report 2024, in advancing targeted policies, improving patient safety processes, strengthening incident reporting and learning systems, engaging patients, and building health workforce competencies to reduce avoidable harm in health care. To support countries, WHO has provided technical support and capacity building to Member States, continues to develop essential technical resources, and has actively engaged in establishing and leading strategic partnerships and global alliances. 

Despite improvements, important gaps remain. Only one-third of countries have specific national programmes or action plans in place, prompting WHO to initiate dialogue with 59 countries to address these issues. Progress has also been slow, with only 25% of countries fostering a safety culture and 23% adopting a human factors approach. WHO is developing guidance to address these challenges. 

WHO continues to support the Global Patient Safety Challenge: Medication Without Harm, with 74% of countries implementing the Challenge. Efforts to integrate patient safety into healthcare professional education and training remain limited, with only 20% of countries incorporating it into curricula. WHO is developing the WHO Academy Patient Safety Essentials course and updating the Patient Safety Curriculum Guide. 

Progress on patient and family engagement has been varied, with 80% of countries ensuring access to medical records but only 13% appointing patient representatives to hospital boards. WHO also supports the Global Patient Safety Network and the Global Patient Safety Collaborative to advance the patient safety agenda. 

To support World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on 17 September, WHO collaborates with Member States and stakeholders to develop global campaigns, technical resources, and flagship events. This year’s campaign theme is: Safe care for every newborn and every child.

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Source: WHO, 23 May 2025