​Gauteng joined the global community in commemorating World Patient Safety Day under the World Health Organisation's theme, "Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child" on 17 September 2025. 
With the powerful call to action, "Patient Safety from the Start!", the province reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting its youngest citizens - not just in word, but in action.
This year's focus on newborns and children is more than a campaign - it is a declaration of values. In Gauteng, safe care is not a privilege, it is a right. Every child born in the province deserves to be welcomed into the world with skilled, compassionate, and vigilant care. Every child treated in its health facilities deserves to be protected from preventable harm.
The province is translating this vision into reality through a series of targeted interventions. Neonatal and paediatric units across Gauteng are being enhanced to improve infection control, clinical monitoring, and early detection of complications. Patient Experience of Care (PEC) Surveys are being rolled out to ensure that children and their families have a voice in shaping the care they receive. Digital tools are being introduced to track complaints, monitor safety, and flag early warning signs, all aimed at preventing harm before it happens.
Healthcare workers are at the heart of this transformation. Through continuous training and mentorship, frontline professionals are being equipped with the knowledge and support needed to deliver child-centred, safe care, every time, without exception.
But the province's approach goes beyond hospitals and clinics. Parents and caregivers are being recognised as essential partners in the safety journey. Their insights, concerns, and lived experiences are being integrated into care decisions, reinforcing a culture of trust and collaboration.
As part of the global observance, Gauteng lit up its hospitals and landmarks in orange which is the official colour of World Patient Safety Day, symbolising hope, solidarity, and a shared commitment to safer care. This illumination is not just symbolic, it is a beacon of the province's intent to build a healthcare system where every child's wellbeing is non-negotiable.
World Patient Safety Day is a reminder that the first moments of life matter. They shape futures, define health trajectories, and reflect the values of a society. In Gauteng, the message is clear, patient safety is not a slogan. It is a system, a culture, and a promise - one that begins at birth and continues through every stage of childhood.