Kampala – The Ministry of Health is calling for immediate action to prevent and treat sepsis, a life-threatening condition that poses a significant threat to public health in Uganda.
Sepsis, also known as blood poisoning, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection becomes uncontrolled, damaging its own tissues and organs.
It can lead to shock, organ failure, and death if not treated promptly. Symptoms may include high temperature, fast breathing, confusion, shivering, or extreme weakness. In newborn babies, danger signs include refusal to breastfeed, fast breathing, or sudden deterioration or change of baby’s health condition.
According to Director General Health Services Charles Olaro, sepsis is a leading cause of death worldwide and Uganda is no exception.
“In Uganda, maternal and newborn sepsis remains one of the leading causes of death in hospitals, yet most of these deaths are preventable if recognized early and treated promptly,” said Dr. Olaro during a press conference held at the Ministry of Health on Tuesday to commemorate International Sepsis Day.
He urged families to be vigilant and closely monitor mothers after childbirth, newborns, patients after surgery, and individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV, and seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit any danger signs.
“Sepsis should not be a death sentence. With awareness, timely action, and the right treatment, we can save lives,” Olaro emphasized.
To combat sepsis, the Ministry of Health has outlined five key priority actions, including adequate funding, training health workers, raising public awareness, mobilizing leaders, and integrating sepsis into pandemic preparedness and health security planning. As part of these efforts, the Government is strengthening emergency care, training health workers, improving access to antibiotics, and enhancing laboratory services to support early detection and treatment.
Winnie Agwang, Laboratory Officer at WHO Uganda, commended the Ministry of Health’s efforts in advancing infection prevention and critical care services. She emphasized that health workers are the first line of defense against sepsis, urging them to routinely screen for sepsis, use available clinical tools and protocols, and champion infection prevention practices in their facilities.
Every year, the world commemorates Sepsis Awareness Month in September, renewing commitments to control sepsis. This year, Uganda joins the global community under the theme “Voices Against Sepsis” to raise awareness and take action against this life-threatening condition.