Every child has the right to receive safe, high-quality medical care from the very beginning of life. Despite this, millions of children around the globe continue to be underserved by health care systems that are ill-equipped to cater to their specific needs. On World Patient Safety Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for immediate and decisive action to make health care safer for children, under the theme, “Patient Safety from the Start!”

This year’s initiative brings attention to the safety of children in health settings, highlighting that protecting children from unsafe care isn’t just about health—it’s a vital component of achieving universal health coverage (UHC). Preventable harm in health care silently affects a large number of children, especially newborns, and is responsible for countless avoidable deaths every year.

Why child safety matters for universal health goals

Children grow and develop rapidly, depend heavily on adult care, and are more sensitive to their physical and social surroundings—traits that put them at greater risk in medical environments. Providing care that is tailored to their age and individual needs is key to their survival and development.

Too often, poor infrastructure, limited resources, overstretched health workers, and weak safety protocols result in unsafe situations for children. These deficiencies can lead to serious consequences, including preventable death, long-term disability, erosion of trust in health services, and additional pressure on already burdened systems.

The toll of unsafe medical care for children

Inadequate and unsafe medical care is a major cause of child mortality and chronic disability, particularly in the early years of life. Studies examining child health services reveal a distressing trend: nearly half of hospitalized children experience harmful events. The numbers are even higher in intensive care, with some reports noting harm in up to 90% of patients, although results vary by location and research method.

The most frequent causes of medical harm include:

• mistakes with medications

• inaccurate diagnoses

• infections contracted in health facilities

• complications from surgery

• and issues related to medical equipment

Children who rely on specialized medical care or devices are especially at risk, facing even more potential for negative outcomes.

According to the WHO Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030, ensuring safer care for children is a pressing need. Preventable harm during early childhood contributes significantly to death rates, hampers long-term health, and weakens the resilience of health systems overall.

Such harm doesn’t only cause immediate injuries. It may also lead to long-lasting disabilities, longer hospitalizations, and repeat treatments—putting emotional and financial strain on families and health providers alike. In lower-income areas, basic shortcomings like the lack of clean water, sterile tools, or properly trained staff make the risks much more severe. In crisis zones, even small safety oversights can have catastrophic outcomes.

The data is clear: prioritizing child safety in health care is not only ethically essential—it’s a smart strategy for strengthening health systems and ensuring access to care for all.

The encouraging news is that over half of all medical harm can be avoided. Investing in safe, child-oriented care can save lives, reduce costs, and drive us closer to universal health care. For instance:

• improving care quality could save nearly 1 million newborns each year;

• involving families in care planning can cut harm by as much as 15%;

• and safer practices lower costs by avoiding further complications and hospital stays.

Take action: Child safety is essential

Reaching universal health coverage requires acknowledging that safe health care for children is a foundation for equity, sustainability, and strong health systems.

WHO calls on all sectors to play their part:

• Health authorities: Make child safety a core component of national health agendas. Invest in staff training, infrastructure, and reliable data systems.

• Medical professionals: Provide care that is safe, responsive, and appropriate for each child.

• Families and caregivers: Be engaged in your child’s treatment. Ask questions, stay informed, and voice concerns.

• Teachers and educators: Help children learn about their health and empower them to be involved in their care.

• Community organizations: Promote and support safe health services, particularly in disadvantaged and crisis-hit areas.

From infancy to adolescence, every child deserves a safe and healthy start in life. Let’s make child safety a global focus—because achieving universal health begins with protecting our youngest citizens.