Change Day 13

Under the Patronage of
Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein

The Health Care Accreditation Council (HCAC) proudly launches the 13^th annual Change Day initiative on 17 September 2026.

under the theme  : A Move for Your Health… A Move for Your Future
“Safe Management of Non-Communicable Diseases for a Better Life”

The initiative coincides with World Patient Safety Day, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), and aims to promote safe and integrated care for people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), while reducing preventable harm throughout the healthcare journey to improve quality of life and community well-being.

17 September 2026

Think of an innovative idea, submit your pledge on our website, implement it on Change Day, and invite others to participate.

What is Change Day?

Change Day is an annual national initiative during which individuals and organizations implement pledges submitted through the campaign platform. These pledges take the form of practical initiatives and activities that improve healthcare quality and promote patient safety and patients’ rights.

In 2026, Change Day focuses on safe care for people living with non-communicable diseases, emphasizing the reduction of preventable harm across all stages of healthcare—from prevention and early detection to treatment and long-term follow-up.

What is the purpose of Change Day?

HCAC aims to encourage individuals and organizations across different sectors to submit innovative pledges before the campaign and implement them on Change Day. These efforts contribute to improving community health, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and patient safety, and supporting the prevention and safe management of non-communicable diseases.

How will Change Day be implemented this year?

All organizations, individuals, and partners are invited to submit their pledges through the website before 17 September 2026. These may include:

• Innovative initiatives that raise awareness of non-communicable diseases and their prevention.
• Awareness activities promoting healthy lifestyles and early detection.
• Person-centered practices that support self-management and safe, continuous care.
• Initiatives that strengthen continuity and integration of healthcare services.
• Safe and effective use of health technologies in the management of chronic diseases.

Pledges will be implemented starting on Change Day.

What are Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)?

Non-communicable diseases are chronic conditions that do not spread from person to person. They often develop gradually, persist over long periods, and require continuous care and follow-up. The major NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases.

NCDs are among the world's greatest health challenges. According to the World Health Organization, they caused 43 million deaths in 2021, accounting for 75% of all non-pandemic-related deaths worldwide. In addition, 18 million people died from NCDs before reaching the age of 70.

Cardiovascular diseases account for the largest share of NCD-related deaths, followed by cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Together, these four groups account for approximately 80% of all NCD deaths globally.

Risk factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and air pollution significantly increase the risk of developing NCDs.

The NCD Journey

The journey of non-communicable diseases begins with awareness and prevention and extends to early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up. Throughout this journey, individuals may face challenges such as delayed diagnosis, medication-related errors, and gaps in continuity of care.

Promoting prevention, empowering individuals to manage their health, and ensuring safe and integrated healthcare are essential to improving quality of life and reducing preventable complications.

What Are This Year's Focus Areas?

• Promoting prevention and healthy lifestyles to reduce the burden of NCDs.
• Early detection and accurate diagnosis to ensure timely intervention.
• Medication safety and the effective management of chronic diseases.
• Continuity and integration of healthcare services across all levels of care.
• Patient empowerment and safe self-management as key elements of health management.
• Safe use of health technologies to support monitoring and treatment of chronic diseases.
• Improve patient experience through the treatment journey

Pledges

Submit your pledge now to support prevention and safe care for non-communicable diseases within your organization or community.

Register through our website before 17 September 2026.

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to create initiatives and activities that can make a real difference in community health and healthcare quality.

Please note that the examples below are for guidance only. Participants are encouraged to develop any initiative or activity that contributes to improving healthcare quality and patient safety.

Examples of Suggested Pledges