In a momentous event at the Kitwe Teaching Hospital grounds, healthcare professionals, patients and community members joined the Ministry of Health, WHO and partner organizations to commemorate World Patient Safety Day on September 17, 2023. Under the theme “Engaging Patients for Patient Safety,” the day’s activities emphasized the crucial role that patients, families and caregivers play in ensuring their own safety and that of others within the healthcare system.

The event kicked off with a 5km awareness march-past from the Parklands shopping complex to the hospital grounds. This was followed by keynote speeches from the Patient Safety Foundation, WHO Country Representative and the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary in-charge of Administration all emphasizing the importance of listening to patients. 

Dr Elizabeth Nkumbula, Patient Safety Movement Foundation Zambia representative called on the healthcare community to prioritize patient engagement as a cornerstone of patient safety initiatives.

“We need to think of patients not just recipients of care, but also, as members of the healthcare team. Their insights, concerns, and experiences are invaluable in shaping safer and more patient-centered healthcare practices,” she remarked. 

Dr Nathan Bakyaita, WHO Country Representative, in his speech encouraged stakeholders to ensure the active participation and engagement of patients in policy making processes to improve patient safety at all levels of health care.

“Let us work together to ensure that platforms and opportunities are created for patients, families, and communities to raise their voices, concerns, expectations, and preferences to advance safety, patient centeredness, trustworthiness, and equity,” he said.   

And Professor Christopher Simoonga, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, expressed the ministry’s commitment to providing safe and patient-centered care. 

“I call on all healthcare institutions, professionals, policymakers, and patient advocacy groups to work together in creating an environment where patient safety is non-negotiable and where patients feel confident that their voices are heard, and their safety is safeguarded,” he said.    

In-between the speeches, entertainment was offered with dramas depicting patient safety and patient engagement showcased. In parallel, community outreach through exhibitions, with health services and screenings being offered. This approach aimed not only to empower individuals with knowledge but also to strengthen the connections between the healthcare system and the community.  

The event concluded with a lighting up the building in orange symbolizing the ongoing commitment to nurture a culture of patient safety that would endure and flourish. The commemoration’s call to action was clear: a patient-centric approach is a shared responsibility that transforms rhetoric into tangible, life-enhancing practices, thus saving many lives.