The Kwara State Government has joined the global community in commemorating 2026 World Patient Safety Day with the intention of sensitising state residents on the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The sensitisation programme, which was held at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), Ilorin, attracted participants across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

The programme, according to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, is celebrated annually on September 17, and this year's celebration is focused on the theme "Safe Care for Non-Communicable Diseases" and the slogan is "Safe Care for Life."

The Commissioner explained that the event is to highlight the importance of patient safety in the prevention, treatment and long-term management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Speaking further on the significance of the celebration, the Commissioner, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Kasali Ajao, said patients living with NCDs are particularly vulnerable to avoidable complications associated with treatment, making patient safety an essential component of quality healthcare.

Dr El-Imam said the state government, under the leadership of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, remained committed to providing quality, safe and patient-centred healthcare services tailored to the needs of residents.

She noted that the government had continued to strengthen healthcare delivery through the engagement of qualified health professionals and other measures aimed at improving the quality of healthcare services across the state.

Dr El-Imam said the government was using the occasion to sensitise healthcare workers, patients and caregivers on practical measures to prevent avoidable complications and promote safer treatment practices for people living with NCDs.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Assistant Chief Scientific Officer, Kwara State Ministry of Health, Mrs Olaseinde Olubukola, explained the concept of non-communicable diseases and stressed the importance of World Patient Safety Day in promoting awareness of safer healthcare practices.

She emphasised that patient safety requires the collective responsibility of healthcare providers, patients and caregivers, particularly in the management of chronic illnesses that often require long-term care.

The Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, Family Medicine Department, KWASUTH, Nurse Mgbemena Maria, who delivered a health education remarks, identified hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases among the common NCDs.

She advised patients to attend regular medical check-ups, monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar as recommended, and promptly report unusual symptoms to healthcare professionals.

Mgbemena also cautioned against self-medication, urging patients to take prescribed medicines strictly according to professional instructions and seek medical advice before combining prescribed medicines with herbal remedies and other medications.

She further encouraged healthy eating, regular and appropriate physical activity, and cautioned members of the public against smoking of tobacco and harmful substances.

She further identified adequate rest, stress management and strong family support as important components of safe care for people living with chronic diseases.