The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that unsafe healthcare, including medical errors and hospital infections, is causing millions of preventable child deaths and disabilities worldwide.
In a statement on Wednesday to mark World Patient Safety Day 2025, the WHO highlighted the growing risk children face in hospitals. It said its reviews of paediatric care show that harmful incidents such as medication and diagnostic errors, surgical complications, and healthcare-associated infections affect up to one in two children admitted to hospital wards, and in intensive care units, up to nine in ten children.
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The WHO emphasised that children with special medical needs, or those reliant on medical technology, are at heightened risk.
“Unsafe care remains a leading cause of child mortality and long-term disability, particularly in the early stages of life. Every child deserves safe, quality healthcare from the very start, but too many are being failed by health systems that aren’t equipped to meet their unique needs”, the WHO stated.
The global health body also highlighted the significant burden on families and healthcare systems caused by unsafe care, noting that it often leads to lifelong disabilities, extended hospital stays, and repeated treatments. In low-resource settings, where basic infrastructure is lacking, the agency said the risks are even higher.
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The WHO noted that over 50% of patient harm is preventable, and emphasised that investing in paediatric safety could save lives and strengthen healthcare systems globally.
The global agency urged health leaders to ensure paediatric safety is a priority in national health strategies and invest in training and infrastructure, and charged healthcare workers to deliver child-centred care tailored to each child’s needs.
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