Namibia joined the global community in commemorating World Patient Safety Day 2025 under the theme “Safe care for every newborn and every child” and the slogan “Patient safety from the start!”. The national event held in Opuwo, Kunene Region, brought together government officials, development partners, health workers and communities to reflect on progress, renew commitments, and highlight collective action to protect the most vulnerable.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao in a speech delivered by the Governor of Kunene region, Honorable Vipuakuje Muharukua, underscored the significance of the day. “Patient safety is not an abstract goal, but it is the very foundation of health. From the very first breath, every child deserves protection from preventable harm,” she said.

She highlighted Namibia’s achievements in maternal, newborn, and child health. These include progress in antenatal and postnatal care, facility deliveries, immunization, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of infections. “The rate of HIV transmission has decreased by 70% over the last two decades, and more than 98% of babies born to HIV-exposed women are free of the virus,” she noted, emphasizing Namibia’s historic recognition in 2024 as the first high-burden country to reach a key milestone in eliminating vertical transmission of HIV and hepatitis B.

According to Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) estimates released in April 2025, Namibia reduced maternal mortality from over 400 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 139. This is an outcome of various positive drivers including improved Antenatal Care (ANC) services and delivery by skilled birth attendance. Despite these gains, maternal mortality remains double the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 70 by 2030. Neonatal mortality rate is 24 per 1,000 live births is twice the target of 12 and current trends suggest it will be 21.5 by 2030. The under-five mortality rate is 41 per 1,000 live births, against a 2030 target of 25.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Namibia, Dr. Richard Banda, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to improve patient safety. “World Patient Safety Day reminds us that every patient, especially the most vulnerable, our newborns and children deserves care within a system that protects them from preventable harm,” he said.

While commending progress in maternal and child health, Dr Banda emphasized that the latest estimates also highlight persisting challenges. “These are not just numbers; they represent lives cut short, families torn apart, and the loss of potential for the nation,” he said. He urged action to strengthen infection prevention and control, scale up Kangaroo Mother Care, and mobilize collective efforts to make patient safety a reality across the health system.

The Kunene Regional Health Director, Mr. Thomas Shapumba, issued a call to action for collective responsibility. “Patient safety is the cornerstone of every effective health system. Let us stand united in the spirit of World Patient Safety Day 2025, recognizing that it begins from the very start of life, and it is our duty to protect it,” he said.

Through this commemoration, Namibia reaffirmed that patient safety is not an option but a priority, and that protecting every newborn and child from preventable harm is central to achieving Universal Health Coverage and the SDGs.