This year's commemoration of World Patient Safety Day emphasises the need to raise public awareness and promote collaboration among stakeholders at the global and national levels to improve patient safety standards.
The campaign further serves as a call to action to prioritise safety in paediatric and newborn care by ensuring that no child continues to die or be left behind due to preventable mismanagement.
Speaking at the event in Opuwo, the Chief of Child Survival and Development at UNICEF Namibia stressed that poor nutrition, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, and limited access to quality health services remain major barriers to child survival and development.
Dr. Gloria Siseho said addressing these determinants is essential if Namibia is to ensure that every child survives, thrives, and reaches their full potential.
"For us at UNICEF, we believe that our wavering commitment and support to the health sector will surely contribute to Namibia's journey towards safer, more effective maternal and child health services. For example, currently, UNICEF, in collaboration with the European Commission on Humanitarian Aid, is supporting targeted regions, including Kunene, to address critical child health and nutrition deprivations."
Dr. Siseho said UNICEF's collective goal remains clear, which is to drive meaningful improvements in health outcomes and affirm every child's right to safe and quality care.
She singled out the need to recognise and address the specific needs of children, families and caregivers while acknowledging that safety and quality care are at the heart of every provider's childcare interaction.
WHO Representative to Namibia Richard Banda said Namibia has made commendable progress in maternal, newborn, and child health.
Currently, over 87% of births take place in healthcare facilities with skilled birth attendants, and vaccination coverage continues to improve steadily.
The maternal mortality ratio has reduced from over four hundred in 2000 to 139 per 100,000 live births.
"Neonatal mortality is at 24/1,000 live births, twice the SDG target of 12, while the under-five mortality rate stands at 41/1,000 live births. While this is good progress, both indicators fall short of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. There are lives we can and must save. These are not just numbers; they represent lives cut short, families torn apart, communities affected and the loss of potential for the nation."