Every morning, millions of people worldwide take medication for life, managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. These noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for roughly three-quarters of all deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization. In low- and middle-income countries, the shift from infectious diseases to NCDs has been significant. However, surviving an NCD diagnosis is only half the battle; the other half is navigating decades of treatment without harm from the healthcare system.
On September 17, 2026, World Patient Safety Day will focus on "Safe care for noncommunicable diseases" with the slogan "Safe care for life!" This theme highlights the paradox that the longer a patient needs care, the more chances there are for something to go wrong. Treating a chronic illness involves multiple interactions with the healthcare system, creating potential failure points. A wrong dose, missed drug interaction, or adverse reaction can have a significant toll.
The World Health Organization estimates that unsafe care contributes to as many as 2.6 million deaths annually worldwide. In the context of NCDs, patients may interact with the health system hundreds of times over a lifetime, multiplying the risk of medication errors, diagnostic delays, and adverse drug reactions. Dr. Seima Dijeng, CEO of the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA), emphasizes the importance of partnership between patients, healthcare providers, and regulators.
In Botswana, BoMRA is redefining the regulator's role as a sentinel watching over patients across the treatment arc. The authority's mandate includes product registration, licensing, and post-market surveillance. BoMRA is investing more attention and resources in real-world data, where safety is truly tested. Dr. Dijeng states that BoMRA is committed to creating a safe environment where Batswana can access quality-assured healthcare products with confidence.
BoMRA operates dedicated reporting channels for suspected adverse drug reactions and substandard or falsified medical products. However, the challenge is getting people to use them. Studies in sub-Saharan Africa show low rates of adverse-event reporting due to various factors, including patients' lack of knowledge or fear of jeopardizing their care. Dr. Dijeng encourages patients to report any expected, unexpected, or unusual side effects associated with their medicines.
The 2026 World Patient Safety Day campaign acknowledges the social determinants of harm, which the medical community has been slow to integrate into safety frameworks. A patient's inability to afford transport or access healthy food can lead to harm. The campaign emphasizes a primary health care approach, strengthening the first point of contact, such as community clinics and neighborhood pharmacists.
Dr. Dijeng urges patients to complement medical interventions with healthy eating and lifestyle choices. The regulator's role is critical in ensuring patient safety, and BoMRA is working to create a safe environment for patients. The campaign's focus on safe care for NCDs highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to patient safety, including addressing social determinants and improving healthcare systems.
Key points
- Unsafe care contributes to as many as 2.6 million deaths annually worldwide.
- Patients with NCDs face significant risks due to multiple interactions with the healthcare system.
- The 2026 World Patient Safety Day campaign emphasizes a primary health care approach to reduce harm.
