17 September 2023, Yemen — Patient safety is an intrinsic element of healthcare quality, and its significance cannot be overstated. Unsafe healthcare practices can lead to severe consequences for patients, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality rates. In low- and middle-income countries, 134 million adverse events occur each year due to unsafe care in hospitals, contributing to 2.6 million deaths annually. Globally one out of ten patients experience harm in primary and ambulatory settings, with more than 50% of this harm being preventable.

The theme for World Patient Safety Day 2023 is "Engaging Patients for Patient Safety." This theme highlights the pivotal role that patients, families, and caregivers play in ensuring healthcare safety.