The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent appeal for public action against sepsis, a rapidly fatal condition that claims millions of lives globally each year. The call comes as the Ministry observes International Sepsis Day, highlighting the alarming rate of infection across the country.
Dr. Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services, stated that sepsis incidence is a major concern, particularly among children and mothers. He revealed a worrying statistic: “In every ten sick people admitted, four of them are suffering from sepsis.”
Understanding the Silent Killer
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. It is commonly described as blood poisoning or “a battle that your body loses to a germ,” according to Dr. Sauda Namubiru Kizito, from the Ministry of Health’s Clinical Microbiology Department.
Sepsis is especially prevalent among individuals with low immunity, including young children, pregnant women, new mothers, and those with non-communicable diseases like diabetes, respiratory diseases, and cancers.
Dr. Olaro stressed the severity of the crisis, noting, “Sepsis kills more people than HIV, Malaria, and breast cancer combined.” He emphasized that maternal and newborn sepsis remains a leading cause of death in Ugandan hospitals, yet most of these fatalities are preventable through early recognition and prompt treatment.
Call for Early Detection and Awareness
The Ministry and its partners are focused on increasing awareness and improving clinical detection.
Dr. Susan Nabadda, Commissioner for Laboratory Services, confirmed that September is dedicated to promoting awareness and mobilizing voices against the spread of the disease. She underscored the need to “detect and treat sepsis early to prevent unwanted deaths and the expenses of delayed treatment, which is often unsuccessful.”
Dr. Sauda Namubiru clarified key warning signs of sepsis, which include: high body temperature, confusion, fast breathing, sudden deterioration, shock, and organ failure. In children, additional signs may include a refusal to breastfeed.
Winnie Agwang, a Laboratory Officer with the World Health Organization (WHO), affirmed that sepsis is a public health priority globally, placing a heavy burden on families and communities.
Stakeholders called for action beyond the hospital walls.
Robinah Kaitiritimba, Executive Director of the Uganda National Health Consumers Organisation, urged all partners to return to the community to disseminate correct information and ensure prompt diagnosis. She stressed the importance of equipping health workers with crucial information about the dangers and emergency nature of sepsis, ensuring it is part of all emergency services.
Dr. Priscilla Haguma, a physician from the World Alliance for Lung and Intensive Care Medicine in Uganda (WALIMU), highlighted the role of good nutrition in prevention. She noted that while sepsis is a global issue, 30% of global sepsis deaths occur in Africa, underscoring the continent’s disproportionate burden. WALIMU is working to bridge the knowledge gap and translate information into meaningful care.
The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Every Voice Against Sepsis: A National Call to Action for Prevention and Timely Treatment.”
The government affirmed its commitment to reinforcing emergency care, enhancing laboratory services for early detection, and improving health worker training and access to antibiotics.
By Chipo Brenda
