Two women sitting next to each other and two hands in the front doing hand disinfection

World Patient Safety Day, September 17 2026

8/17/2026

“Safe care for life”: Infection prevention for people with noncommunicable diseases

World Patient Safety Day on September 17 highlights each year a fundamental principle of healthcare: to do no harm to patients (Latin: “primum non nocere”). Under the theme “Safe care for noncommunicable diseases” and the slogan “Safe care for life!”, this year’s global campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO) focuses on the protection of people living with noncommunicable diseases.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic conditions that cannot be transmitted from person to person such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes mellitus [1]. NCDs are the leading cause of death worldwide and usually require lifelong medical care [1]. People with NCDs often have an impaired immune system. At the same time, due to their condition they are frequently in touch with healthcare services. Patient safety is therefore particularly important for this population.

Noncommunicable diseases as a risk factor for severe infections

NCDs are a significant risk factor for severe courses of infections such as influenza, respiratory infections, or pneumonia [2, 3, 4]. For example, adults with chronic respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, renal, or hepatic diseases have a two- to fourfold increased risk of community-acquired pneumonia [5]. Diabetes mellitus is also associated with an increased risk of infections, particularly among older patients with poor glycaemic control [6].

Further, multimorbidity is common in older age: one in four patients over 65 years has at least four chronic conditions [7]. In addition to purely physical multimorbidity, the combination of physical and mental disorders is also associated with an increased risk of patient safety incidents such as infections [8]. This highlights the need to ensure safe processes, especially as disease complexity increases.

Two illustrated persons, one sitting, one standing and two hands doing a hand disinfection with a light grey background

Consistent hand and surface hygiene to protect everyone

Two illustrated persons, one sitting, one standing and two hands pulling out a tissue with a light green background
Consistent hand and surface hygiene are among the simplest and most effective measures to prevent the transmission of pathogens and ensure patient safety. They have been shown to reduce the risk of transmission of both nosocomial and community-acquired infections and thus directly contribute to patient safety [9, 10]. Everyone benefits – especially people with NCDs, who are at increased risk of infection and depend on long-term medical care.

Washing, caring, protecting, and disinfecting are the cornerstones of effective hand hygiene. In healthcare settings, regular and targeted disinfection of patient-near surfaces and medical devices is also essential. Staff training, clear responsibilities, and standardized procedures support the implementation of these measures. In addition, involving patients and caregivers – through simple guidance on hand hygiene, informational materials, and active communication – is a key component in strengthening hygiene standards.

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Improving patient safety together

World Patient Safety Day reminds us that a safe healthcare environment is essential for medical treatment. Infection prevention is a central pillar of patient safety – particularly for those requiring lifelong care. This is also reflected in the slogan “Safe care for life!”

By raising awareness of the importance of hand and surface hygiene and involving all stakeholders – healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers – we can create a safer healthcare environment. Let us work together to ensure that every patient receives the safe care they deserve.

#WorldPatientSafetyDay #PatientSafety #MissionInfectionPrevention

Sources

  1. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/seasonal-influenza/prevention-and-control/vaccines/risk-groups (abgerufen am 04.07.2026)
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/index.html (abgerufen am 04.07.2026)
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/risk-factors/index.html (abgerufen am 04.07.2026)
  4. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/seasonal-influenza/prevention-and-control/vaccines/risk-groups (abgerufen am 04.07.2026)
  5. Torres A et al. (2013) Thorax 68: 1057–1065.
  6. Pearson-Stuttard J et al. (2016) Lancet Diabet Endocrinol 4(2): P148–158.
  7. Jacob L et al. (2016) Ger Med Sci 3: 14: Doc03.
  8. Panagioti M et al. (2015) PLoS One 10(8): e0135947.
  9. KRINKO (2016) Bundesgesundheitsbl 59: 1189–1220.
  10. KRINKO (2022) Bundesgesundheitsbl 65: 1074–1115.

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