Nigeria, Sept. 17 -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged African countries to strengthen patient safety in the care of people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, made the call on Thursday in a message to mark World Patient Safety Day 2026, themed "Safe care for noncommunicable diseases", with the slogan "Safe care for life!"

NCDs include conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and chronic respiratory diseases.

"For a person living with diabetes, cancer, heart disease or a chronic respiratory condition, health care is rarely a single encounter," he said.

"It may involve years of consultations, tests, medicines, referrals and treatment. Each interaction shou...