Health leaders urge stronger patient safety measures in NCD care

Aga Khan Development Network OBE-Diplomatic Representative Ambassador Amin Mawji, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary of Public Health & Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni, World Health Organization Representative to Kenya Dr Neema Kimambo and Aga Khan University Hospital Chief Medical Officer Prof. John Weru during the World Patient Safety Day Conference held to call for stronger collaboration and coordinated approaches to safety in non-communicable diseases care

Health leaders have called for patient safety to become a core part of the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), warning that gaps in healthcare systems could expose patients to preventable harm.

The call was made during the opening of a three-day World Patient Safety Day (WPSD) 2026 Conference hosted by Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi and Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa, under the theme, “Safe Care for Life: Safe Care for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).”

The leaders said while efforts to address NCDs have traditionally focused on prevention, diagnosis and treatment, stronger patient safety systems are needed to ensure people living with chronic conditions receive safe, effective and continuous care.

NCDs pose growing health challenge

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs are projected to kill 3.8 million people in Africa every year by 2030.

In Kenya, NCDs account for about 41 per cent of all deaths and half of all hospital admissions, placing a growing burden on the health system and economy.

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the government had continued to strengthen policies and systems for preventing and managing NCDs.

“Our National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases provides a framework for reducing premature mortality from NCDs and strengthening prevention, early detection and management,” Muthoni said.

WHO backs patient safety efforts

World Health Organisation Representative to Kenya Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo said patient safety remained a global health priority and a key pillar of stronger health systems.

“Investing in patient safety not only saves resources but more importantly saves lives and improves health outcomes,” she said.

She noted that WHO had recognised Kenya’s efforts to develop a national policy and action plan on patient safety and quality of care, including the proposed Quality Healthcare Patient Safety Bill of 2025.

Focus shifts to continuous care

Health leaders noted that patients living longer with chronic conditions often receive care from multiple providers and across different levels of the health system.

This increases the risk of fragmented care, medication-related harm, delayed diagnosis, poor care transitions and inadequate monitoring.

Prof John Weru, Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs at Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa, said the conference aimed to turn discussions into practical action.

“For people living with NCDs, this means ensuring that care is safe, coordinated and continuous across the entire patient journey,” he said.

The conference is bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, patients and regulators to share experiences and identify solutions that can strengthen NCD care in Kenya and across Africa.