In May 2019, the 72^nd World Health Assembly established “World Patient Safety Day”, with the adoption of resolution WHA72.6 on ‘Global action on Patient Safety, and initiated to mark the Day annually on 17 September.

The origin of the Day is based on the fundamental principle of medicine- First, Do No Harm! And with overall objectives as follow:

• to enhance global understanding of patient safety,
• to increase public engagement in the safety of health care, and,
• to promote global actions to enhance patient safety and reduce patient harm

The COVID-19 pandemic is presently among the biggest challenges and threats to face the world and humanity, and health care is living its greatest crisis in patient safety ever! This pandemic has unveiled the huge challenges and risks health workers are facing globally including health care-associated infections, violence, stigma, psychological and emotional disturbances, illness and even death. The pandemic has exerted unprecedented pressure on health systems worldwide. In addition to that, working in stressful environments makes health workers more prone to errors which can lead to patient harm. Hence, the World Patient Safety Day 2020 has the following Themes, Slogan and Call for action.

Theme: HEALTH WORKER SAFETY: A PRIORITY SAFETY

Slogan: SAFE HEALTH WORKERS, SAFE PATIENTS

Call for action: SPEAK UP FOR HEALTH WORKER SAFETY!

SOURCE: World Health Organization