18/09/2025
Lesotho Pledges Safer Beginnings for Every Child on World Patient Safety Day!
The safety of children, especially from the moment of birth, remains one of the most urgent priorities in healthcare. As Lesotho joined the global community in commemorating World Patient Safety Day, leaders and health advocates emphasized that protecting newborns and young children from preventable harm is central to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
This year’s theme, “Safe care for every newborn and every child – Patient Safety from the start,” underscores the need for early, consistent, and quality care for children from birth through age nine.
Minister of Health, Hon. Selibe Mochoboroane, emphasized that patient safety must be woven into every level of care, particularly within primary healthcare systems, where prevention and trust begin. He called for stronger community-based healthcare services, especially in underserved areas.
“Strengthening community healthcare services means bringing care closer to the people, especially those in rural and underserved areas. Primary healthcare systems are the foundation where prevention starts, early detection takes place, and trust between communities and the health system is built.”
He emphasized the need for a multisectoral approach to achieve better health outcomes:
“Our progress depends on how we work together, with coordination, shared responsibility, and accountability. The success and transformation of our health systems require strong collaboration across the entire health sector.”
WHO Representative Dr. Innocent Nuwagira stated that patient safety is key to achieving Universal Health Coverage. “Strengthening patient safety is central to achieving Universal Health Coverage. By safeguarding our children from harm, we are safeguarding the future of our nation. Today, I call on parents, caregivers, health practitioners, health leaders, educators, and communities to join forces. Together, let us prevent avoidable harm among the newborns and children, and create a safer, healthier future for every child.”
To accelerate progress, WHO urged countries, including Lesotho, to raise awareness of safety risks in pediatric and newborn care, mobilize action among health professionals and civil society, empower parents and caregivers, and invest in research and innovation to strengthen safer care practices.
The event also marked the launch of the “Eseng Ka Ngoana” Child Friendly Community Policy, a national initiative aimed at creating safer environments for children and promoting community-led protection efforts.
The colourful national ceremony held at Mafeteng Stadium in Mafeteng district was also graced by UNICEF, area parliamentarians, chiefs, other district and national leaders, community health workers and young children from various schools in the area.
Lesotho Ministry of Health
Hon. Mochoboroane - Minister of Health
Innocent Bright Nuwagira
UNICEF Lesotho
