Patient Safety Africa Advocates for Enhanced Health Governance

Patient Safety Africa has called for the elevation of the Patient Safety Desk within the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to a full-fledged Directorate of Patient Safety and Clinical Governance. This request was made during the 2026 World Patient Safety Day address by the organization's President, Prof. Asekhame Sonny Isemede, who is also a consultant at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust and Specialist Adviser to England’s Care Quality Commission.

The address was presented to the ministry's leadership, including Coordinating Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate and Minister of State Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako. Isemede stated that this structural change would enhance Nigeria's clinical governance and quality improvement efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He highlighted the successful partnership between the ministry’s Patient Safety Desk and Patient Safety Africa since 2022, which has led to training healthcare professionals and participation in international quality initiatives. He also advocated for inclusive leadership in healthcare and recommended measures for improving healthcare efficiency and workforce welfare.