A worldwide agenda
In May 2002 the World Health Assembly passed resolution WHA55.18, which urged countries to pay the greatest possible attention to patient safety and requested the Director-General of WHO to carry out a series of actions to promote patient safety, including:
- development of global norms and standards;
- promotion of evidenced-based policies;
- promotion of mechanisms to recognize excellence in patient safety internationally;
- encouragement of research;
- provision of assistance to countries in several key areas.
The resolution has ensured that the drive for safer health care is now becoming a worldwide endeavour, bringing significant benefits to patients in countries rich and poor, developed and developing, in all corners of the globe.