Uganda has joined the global community in marking the World Sepsis Day, drawing attention to a critical but often overlooked health threat that claims millions of lives each year.

Sepsis, sometimes referred to as blood poisoning, develops when the body reacts dangerously to an infection, whether from bacteria, viruses, or malaria parasites, causing harm to its own tissues and organs. Without immediate medical attention, the condition can progress rapidly, resulting in organ failure, shock, or even death.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, highlighted that certain groups face higher risk, including mothers, newborns, and individuals with compromised immune systems. He emphasized the need for health workers to closely evaluate all patients presenting with fever, stressing that “early detection is crucial to reducing deaths and treatment costs.”

Dr. Olaro also warned that antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern, stating that “four out of ten sepsis related deaths are caused by germs resistant to available treatments,” which could jeopardize progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.

In response, the Ministry of Health has unveiled plans to strengthen the country’s ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat sepsis. These include scaling up health worker training, expanding diagnostic services, integrating sepsis care into pandemic preparedness, and increasing public awareness to promote timely care-seeking behavior.

In line with international efforts, the Ministry officially pledged its commitment to the GlobalSepsis Agenda 2030, adopting key national targets aimed at reducing the burden of the disease:

• Reduce national sepsis incidence by at least 25%.                                                                                 • Increase survival rates among adult and pediatric patients by 20%.                                        • Reduce the median cost of managing a sepsis case by 20%.                                                                 • Integrate sepsis control and awareness into all health programs

Dr. Suzan Nabadda highlighted the additional threat of antimicrobial resitance, which makes treating sepsis increasingly difficult. She underscored the need for bolstered laboratory infrastructure, better-trained medical personnel, and increased public vigilance.

According to the Ministry, sepsis cases are especially high in the districts of Gulu and Lira. Typical symptoms in adults may include high fever, rapid breathing, confusion, shivering, and profound weakness. For newborns, warning signs can include sudden health decline and refusal to breastfeed.

This year’s International Sepsis Day observance was held under the theme: “Voices Against Sepsis".