By Fatima Saka
Abuja – The Federal Government of Nigeria on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening patient safety in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly for newborns and children, as part of the global commemoration of the 2025 World Patient Safety Day.
During the ministerial press briefing to mark the 2025 World Patient Safety Day, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, emphasized that safeguarding the lives of children is not just a health goal but a moral imperative and social responsibility.
He highlighted that this year’s World Health Organization (WHO) theme, “Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child” with the slogan “Patient Safety from the Start!”, underscores the need to tackle preventable harm in paediatric and neonatal care. Studies indicate that adverse events occur in up to 91% of neonatal intensive care cases and over 50% of paediatric ward admissions.
Professor Pate urged healthcare providers, parents, communities, civil society, and development partners to unite in eliminating avoidable harm, stressing that patient safety must begin at birth. “Together, we can give every Nigerian child the gift of safe and quality care,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, represented by the Head of the Patient Safety Desk, Dr. Gilbert G. Shetak, said this year’s theme, “Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child” with the slogan “Patient Safety from the Start!”, reflects the urgent need to prioritize the protection of the most vulnerable population.
Dr. Salaudeen noted that millions of patients globally experience preventable adverse events, with infants and children being disproportionately affected due to their fragile physiological conditions. He stressed that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is committed to strengthening safety standards across healthcare facilities to address this challenge.
“Patient Safety from the Start is not just a slogan, but a call to action and a blueprint for transformation,” he stated. “It demands that we prioritize evidence-based practices from the delivery room, enforce strict infection control in neonatal intensive care units, and tailor treatments to children’s evolving needs.
Dr. Salaudeen further disclosed that all parastatals and agencies under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had been directed to recognize the day and support awareness efforts nationwide.
“Every adult was once a child, and this reminds us of our collective duty to protect and nurture the next generation, especially in the critical first five years of life,” he added.
The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Martin Chabi Joseph, reading a message from the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohammed Janabi, called for accelerated implementation of the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030.
He praised Nigeria’s recent adoption of the National Patient Safety and Care Quality Policy and Implementation Strategy (2024), describing it as a significant milestone in reducing preventable harm.
He added: “The vision of the Global Patient Safety Action Plan is a world in which no patient is harmed in health care, and everyone receives safe care, every time, everywhere.”
The Federal Government stressed that ensuring safe delivery, postnatal care, infection prevention, immunization safety, and early detection of complications are essential steps toward achieving zero preventable harm in children.
Preparatory activities included a technical session on safe paediatric practices and a patient safety awareness road walk involving key stakeholders such as WHO, the Federal Road Safety Corps, healthcare professionals, and the media.
Dr. Obinna Edwin Awiaka, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN)
highlighted that as optometrists and dispensing opticians, “we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the vision and eye health of every Nigerian child. From birth, vision development is critical. Yet, unsafe cultural practices, such as inserting breast milk into a baby’s eyes, continue to endanger children’s sight.
“We must prioritize early detection, safe clinical practices, and appropriate interventions to prevent avoidable blindness and visual impairment. ODORBN remains dedicated to strengthening professional standards and collaborating with partners to ensure every child receives safe, ethical, and quality eye care. Protecting a child’s eyes today ensures a lifetime of vision tomorrow,” he added.
Mrs. Minyola Williams, on behalf of DRASA Health Trust, emphasized that every year, preventable infections and unsafe practices place newborns and children at grave risk. Yet, with the right systems, training, and commitment, these risks can be eliminated.
” At DRASA, we are building a network of healthcare champions dedicated to reducing preventable infections and promoting strong infection prevention measures, such as clean hands, safe cord care, and vaccination.
“We commend the Federal Government, NCDC, healthcare workers, and community leaders for prioritizing patient safety. Our shared goal is clear: a Nigeria where no mother fears for her child’s safety in a health facility and every child has the chance to thrive,” she added.
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In the build-up to the event, the Ministry organized a technical session involving healthcare professionals, policy experts, and patient safety advocates. The session explored safe birth practices, neonatal and pediatric safety standards, and strategies to build a culture of patient safety across hospitals and clinics.
The commemoration also featured a road walk awareness campaign with participation from stakeholders including the World Health Organization (WHO), the media, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and civil society groups. The campaign emphasized the shared responsibility of parents, teachers, caregivers, and health workers in safeguarding the lives of children.
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