On this World Patient Safety Day,  Somali Women and Child Care Association (SWCCA) would like to raise awareness about the crucial issue of patient safety in our communities.

Access to safe and quality healthcare is a fundamental right for every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. Yet, we recognize that patient safety remains a major concern in our healthcare system. Many patients, especially women and children, continue to face multiple challenges that compromise their well-being during medical treatment.

We urge healthcare providers and policymakers to prioritize patient safety as a key component of healthcare delivery. This requires a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of healthcare, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

Specifically, we call for the following actions to improve patient safety:

1. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure: We must invest in healthcare facilities, ensure adequate staffing levels, and provide necessary equipment for safe and effective healthcare delivery. This includes establishing standardized protocols for infection control, medication administration, and emergency response.

2. Enhancing healthcare education and training: Continuous professional development for healthcare providers is vital to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver safe and quality care. We urge the implementation of training programs that emphasize patient safety, including effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and ethical decision-making.

3. Empowering patients and their families: Active participation and engagement of patients and their families in healthcare decision-making can significantly contribute to patient safety. We encourage healthcare professionals to communicate openly, provide understandable information, and involve patients and their families in treatment planning and decision-making processes.

4. Strengthening patient monitoring and reporting systems: Robust monitoring systems need to be implemented to detect and report any adverse events or medical errors. We call for the establishment of mechanisms that encourage healthcare providers and patients to report incidents and learn from them to prevent future errors.

5. Promoting community awareness and engagement: Education and awareness programs are essential to empower individuals within our communities to participate in their health and safety actively. We encourage the promotion of health literacy, where the community is educated about their rights, the healthcare services available, and the importance of patient safety.

On this World Patient Safety Day, let us unite and commit ourselves to improving patient safety in our healthcare system. By prioritizing patient safety, we can ensure that every patient, especially women and children, receives the safe and quality healthcare they deserve. Together, we can build a healthier and safer future for all.