The South Eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) joins the international community in marking World Patient Safety Day 2025, under the theme “Safe care for every newborn and every child” and the slogan “Patient safety from the start!”.
This year’s focus recognizes the urgent need to protect the most vulnerable—newborns and children—from avoidable harm in healthcare. It is a call to action for governments, professionals, families, and communities to ensure that every child, from birth, receives safe, high-quality care.
Across the SEEHN Member States, notable progress has been achieved in enhancing maternal and child health outcomes over the past twenty years. Regional infant mortality rates have fallen, and survival rates for preterm infants have increased. However, disparities still exist. In certain areas, limited healthcare infrastructure, inconsistent access to specialized neonatal and pediatric services, and shortages of trained personnel continue to expose children to higher risks of harm from preventable medical errors, infections, and delays in treatment.
In parts of the region, infant mortality rates remain higher than EU averages, and neonatal mortality—although decreasing—still makes up a significant share of under-five deaths. Addressing these issues requires not only investing in facilities and technology, but also establishing strong safety protocols, training health workers, engaging families, and implementing effective monitoring systems.
“No child should suffer harm in a place of care. Safety must be integrated into every aspect of our health systems—especially for our youngest and most vulnerable patients.” “Our collective responsibility is to ensure that patient safety is not a privilege, but a guaranteed right from the very start of life.” Dr. Tatiana Păduraru, SEEHN Head of Secretariat.
On 17 September, SEEHN encourages countries to participate in awareness-raising activities, professional forums, and public engagement campaigns, as a visible reminder that safe care for children begins from their very first moments. SEEHN reaffirms its commitment to supporting Member States in developing national strategies for patient safety in paediatric and newborn care, facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity building among healthcare professionals in the region, and advocating for investments in infrastructure and safe medical technology.
Patient safety is the foundation for a healthy future. Together, we can ensure “Patient safety from the start” for every child in Southeast Europe.
