Montevideo, September 17, 2021, CLAP/PAHO- Beginning in 2013, every September 17 is the World Patient Safety Day celebration, a date established by the World Health Assembly through the adoption of resolution WHA72.6 on this topic.
This year’s campaign slogan – “Act now for safe and respectful childbirth!” – the emphasis is placed for ensuring safe care for the mother and newborn and on the significant burden of damaged caused to the population receiving non-risk maternal and child care, especially at the time of delivery, which is when most of the damage is done.
The purpose of commemorating this day is to encourage the collaboration of the population on the issues of maternal and newborn safety and to promote global actions aimed at preventing and reducing the harm caused to users.
In the case of maternal and newborn health, this issue is of great relevance considering the disruption of health services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has aggravated the problem and led to the disruption of essential health services due to breaks in supply chains, barriers to accessing care, and the shortage of skilled health professionals. Since maternity care is also affected by issues of gender equity and violence, women’s experiences during childbirth have the potential to either empower or to inflict damage and emotional trauma on them.
All women have the right to receive respectful and dignified care during pregnancy and childbirth. However, in the region, 43% of pregnant women have experienced disrespectful and offensive treatment during childbirth in health centers. Let us respect this important moment in the lives of women and their families.
Respecful Childbirth
