Ezulwini – Healthcare workers must stop practicing harmful and dangerous health practices on babies that may affect their mental development and growth.
These remarks were made by the director of health, Dr Velaphi Okello, during the media briefing on the observance of the World Patient Safety Day observation held at The Bethel Court in Ezulwini on Wednesday morning.
“We must eradicate avoidable harm in pediatric and newborn care,” she stated, highlighting that the country observes this day in alignment with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“We must remember that these infants cannot voice their discomfort. They can’t express that you are improperly administering treatment or causing them pain. They lack the ability to communicate,” Dr. Okello emphasized.
World Patient Safety Day, with this year’s theme: “Safe care for every newborn and every child,” is observed every September 17 globally. It calls for global solidarity and concerted efforts from every country to improve patient safety.
The day yet to be commemorated at Mkhuzweni Health centre next Monday, occurs while there are still issues affecting mostly developing countries. Issues such as healthcare worker safety, medication and diagnostic errors, and systemic problems like workforce shortages and inequalities remain prevalent.
Dr Okello said the current slogan, “patient safety from the start,” aims to drive meaningful improvements and reaffirm every child’s right to safety. It also aligns with World Health Day 2025 and the maternal and newborn health campaign.
Recognises the vulnerability, risks and harm that newborn babies face.
Eswatini has made maternal and newborn safety interventions, including early detection of danger signs, respectful maternity care and safe delivery protocols, skin-to-skin contact and hygiene promotion, capacity building and supply provision as well as community engagement for early care-seeking.
Global awareness of safety risks in paediatric and newborn care in all health care settings is made, emphasizing the specific needs of children, families and caregivers.
Governments, health care organisations, professional bodies and civil society are mobilised to implement sustainable strategies for safer care for newborns and children, as part of broader patient safety and quality initiatives.
Parents, caregivers and children in patient safety are empowered by promoting education, awareness and active participation in care.
Dr Okello said despite these challenges, Eswatini is committed to safer healthcare for all. She also said it is focused on newborns, children, and maternal health.
The country is also strengthening systems, standards, and community trust as well as “Patient safety from the start!”
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