Ensuring Safe Health Care for Indonesia's Newborns and Children

September 17, 2025 - 08:32

Jakarta, 17 September 2025 – On World Patient Safety Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are emphasizing the critical need for safer health care for children in Indonesia, particularly from birth to nine years old. Their initiative, “Patient safety from the start!” seeks to address alarming statistics that reveal 1 in 10 patients globally experience harm during medical treatment, with preventable harm being a significant concern.

Children face unique challenges in health care due to their developing bodies and inability to communicate effectively about their discomfort. Key issues include inadequate safety protocols tailored for pediatric care, poor quality control of medications, and insufficient involvement of families in the care process. Rural areas are particularly affected, leading to increased risks for vulnerable children.

Dr. N. Paranietharan, WHO Representative to Indonesia, stressed the importance of access to safe and effective health care as a fundamental right. Indonesia has made notable strides in recent years, achieving a 39% reduction in neonatal and under-five mortality rates between 2010 and 2023. However, further efforts are necessary to ensure that every child receives safe, high-quality care.

To enhance health care safety, four key priorities have been identified: improving pediatric services, enhancing data collection for better outcomes, strengthening regulatory practices, and empowering families as active participants in care. By focusing on these areas, Indonesia aims to create a health system that is equitable and effective for all children.