Did you know that each year sepsis causes approximately eight million deaths worldwide? As one of the most common, but misdiagnosed, deadly diseases, sepsis arises when the body’s attempt to fight an infection results in the immune system damaging tissues and organs.

Sepsis is a global health crisis which is why the Global Sepsis Alliance (GSA) has been working to achieve its vision of “a world free of sepsis”. Steps to achieve this were recently taken when the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted the resolution to “improve the prevention, diagnosis, and management of sepsis”. 

“This is a milestone achievement for the Global Sepsis Alliance and for developing countries where sepsis is on the rise,” said BC Children’s Vice-President of Medical Affairs and Vice Chair of the GSA, Dr. Tex Kissoon. “The resolution validates the high burden sepsis poses globally and is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the GSA members to eliminating sepsis and saving lives.”

The WHO will be leading the effort to achieve the goals of the resolution and has allocated $4.6 million USD to help implement their sepsis strategy.

The achievement was announced just months before the 2nd World Sepsis Congress, hosted by the GSA and the WHO which will take place September 12. The online congress will see more than 70 world-leading experts on sepsis, infectious diseases and public health, come together with representatives from health care authorities, policy makers, as well as sepsis victims and their family members. Dr. Tex Kissoon will co-chair the congress and also present on the Burden, Definition, and Post-Discharge Mortality in Neonates. Other highlights of the web-based congress include sessions on sepsis in newborns and mothers and enhancing sepsis survivorship, among other topics. The congress will also launch a global point prevalence study of maternal sepsis and is a prelude to the sixth World Sepsis Day on September 13.

YouTube videos and podcasts from the congress will be available for those who were unable to take part. For more information and to register visit https://wscspotlight.org/.

Learn more about World Sepsis Day, sepsis facts, information and resources.