On behalf of Management and Staff of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, I join the global health community in commemorating World Patient Safety Day 2026, observed annually on 17th September as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO). This year’s theme, “Safe care for non-communicable disease”, under the slogan “Safe care for life”, highlights the urgent need to reduce avoidable harm in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Patient safety is the cornerstone of quality healthcare. As a nation and as an institution, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every individual living with noncommunicable disease receives safe, effective and dignified care. At OAUTHC, we recognize that the continuous nature of chronic disease management requires vigilance, innovation, and above all, partnership with patients and their families to address vulnerabilities and strengthen trust in the healthcare system.
On this day, we call on all stakeholders-health professionals, policymakers, patients, and communities-to unite in raising awareness, driving meaningful improvements, and embedding safety practices in every aspect of care delivery. Together, we can build a healthcare environment where safety is not optional but guaranteed.
We assure our patients and the public that OAUTHC remains steadfast in advancing the highest standards of patient safety, in line with national directives and global best practices.
Signed:
Professor John A.O. Okeniyi
Chief Medical Director
Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife.