Established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, World Patient Safety Day is observed annually on September 17. World Patient Safety Day brings together governments, partners and communities to focus attention on patient safety and accelerate action to reduce avoidable harm in health care.

In 2026, the campaign focuses on safe care for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), with the slogan “Safe care for life!”. People living with NCDs often require continuous care across multiple settings and over long periods, creating multiple points where safety risks can arise — from prevention and diagnosis to treatment, long-term management and self-care. These risks are also influenced by health system challenges and the broader determinants of health.

Improving safety in NCD care requires addressing risks related to the complexity of care, strengthening health systems through a primary health care approach and tackling wider determinants that can increase the risk of harm. The campaign also highlights the importance of engaging people with lived experience in the design and delivery of NCD services and in their own care.