Nairobi: Health authorities in Kenya are urging a renewed focus on patient safety in the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), emphasizing its critical role in ensuring effective and continuous care. This call comes as part of efforts to address the increasing burden of NCDs in the region.
According to The Aga Khan University, this appeal was made during the World Patient Safety Day (WPSD) 2026 Conference, a three-day event hosted by Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, and the Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa. The conference, themed "Safe Care for Life: Safe Care for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)," highlighted the importance of patient safety systems in closing gaps in care and minimizing preventable harm to patients.
Mary Muthoni, Permanent Secretary of Public Health & Professional Standards at Kenya's Ministry of Health, noted that the government is reinforcing policies and systems for NCD prevention and management. "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 stated, emphasizing the ministry's commitment to improving clinical guidance for priority NCDs and expanding access to essential services.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) projects that NCDs will claim 3.8 million lives annually in Africa by 2030. In Kenya, NCDs are responsible for approximately 41 percent of all deaths and half of all hospital admissions, highlighting a significant public health challenge. The WHO recognizes Kenya's efforts in developing a national policy and action plan on patient safety and quality of care, including the proposed quality healthcare patient safety bill of 2025, as pivotal in addressing this issue.
Discussions during the conference focused on improving the safety, quality, and continuity of care for individuals with chronic conditions. Prof John Weru, Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs, Aga Khan University, emphasized the importance of coordinated and continuous care for NCD patients, noting that the conference aimed to inform stakeholders and translate discussions into practical actions to strengthen NCD care and reduce harm.
Participants also shared experiences and innovative approaches from various healthcare settings, aiming to identify adaptable solutions for the Kenyan and African context.