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International Patient Safety Day

It's International Patient Safety Day - join us in spreading awareness for the importance of proper healthcare protocols to keep patients safe!

Thursday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 17

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPublic Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

On September 17, we celebrate International Patient Safety Day to recognize the importance of providing quality healthcare around the world. This day was created in 2004 by The World Health Organization to raise awareness about the risks associated with medical care and how to reduce them. It is a great opportunity for healthcare professionals, patients and their families to come together and discuss ways to improve patient safety. It's also a chance for us all to learn more about how we can protect ourselves from potential harm when it comes to healthcare. So let's get involved this International Patient Safety Day and make sure everyone gets the care they deserve!

TIMELINE

International Patient Safety Day Timeline

Creation of WHO Patient Safety

The World Health Organization creates a focal point for different aspects of patient safety worldwide.

1st International Patient Safety Day

WAHO (West African Health Organization) declared September 17 as the first International Patient Safety Day to promote patient safety worldwide.

WHO Launches "Clean Care Is Safer Care"

WHO launched a campaign to improve hand hygiene in healthcare called "Clean Care Is Safer Care," marking a significant movement towards better patient safety.

Patient Safety a Global Priority

The first "Global Ministerial Summit" on patient safety occurred, asserting that patient safety is a global healthcare priority.

First WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge

The first WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge, "Medication Without Harm," was launched, aiming to reduce medication-related harm by 50% over five years.

COVID-19 and Patient Safety

The COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on the importance of patient safety in preventing cross-infection and protecting healthcare workers.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Patient Safety Day

Educate yourself

Take the time to learn more about patient safety and the importance of being an advocate for patients. Research the risks and benefits of treatments, ask questions, and get informed on the latest patient safety protocols.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Find a local hospital or clinic and volunteer your time. You can help raise awareness about patient safety and provide support to patients in need.

Share Your Story

If you’ve had a negative experience with a medical provider, don’t be afraid to share your story. This will help bring attention to the importance of patient safety.

WRITE

Write a Letter

Write a letter to your local government representatives highlighting the importance of patient safety and stressing the need for better protections for patients.

ATTEND

Attend a Conference

Look for local or national conferences focusing on patient safety. Attend these conferences to learn from experts, network with other advocates, and share your experiences.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Patient Safety Day is Important

It promotes collaboration across the healthcare industry

International Patient Safety Day brings together healthcare professionals from across the globe in order to discuss innovative strategies that can improve patient safety protocols. Through collaboration and communication, we can work together to reduce errors, save lives, and ultimately achieve safer outcomes for all patients!

Patient safety is paramount

Patients should be able to trust that their doctors and other healthcare providers are taking all necessary steps to ensure their safety. International Patient Safety Day helps to raise awareness of the importance of patient safety and encourages healthcare professionals to prioritize this important issue.

It raises awareness about the risks associated with healthcare

Many patients don't realize the possible risks associated with undergoing medical treatments and procedures. International Patient Safety Day provides an opportunity for health care providers and organizations to educate the public on these potential dangers, as well as ways to help prevent them.