New Delhi, 12 September (IANS). World Sepsis Day is observed every year on 13 September. World Sepsis Day was celebrated for the first time in 2012. This day officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017 provides a platform to spread awareness about sepsis, promote prevention measures and strengthen health systems.
The challenge of sepsis still remains a major threat to global health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year about 49 million people are victims of sepsis, in which 11 million die. This number increased during the Kovid-19 epidemic, when the lack of health facilities made the situation more complicated.
Sepsis This is a fatal state, in which the body’s immune system starts damaging the organs while fighting against infection. Starting from common infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection or skin wounds, it becomes rapidly causing multi-organ failure. Experts say that ignoring the early symptoms of sepsis, such as high fever, high breath, confusion or low blood pressure, may prove fatal.
According to the WHO report, more than 80 percent of cases occur in developing countries, where lack of health services and antibiotic resistance is a major problem. The situation in India is also worrying. According to the National Health Mission data, millions of children and adults are affected by sepsis per year, especially in rural areas where there is a lack of hygiene and timely medical treatment.
The day started in 2012 with the efforts of Dr. Cristrop Vich (America) and Dr. Karan Singaporewala (UK). He started a global awareness campaign after the death of Dr. Veech’s son from sepsis. This day, celebrated for the first time in 2012, was promoted by Global Sepsis Alliance. The United Nations declared it an International Day in 2017, making governments, NGOs and health organizations active. Celebrated with a theme every year, this day focuses on ‘Quick Identification, Immediate Action’ in 2025. The theme inspires health workers, patients and communities to emphasize early identity.
The importance of World Sepsis Day is immense. It not only spreads awareness, but also encourages policy changes. The WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreesus said, “Sepsis is preventive, but every hour delay increases the mortality rate by 7.6 percent.”
Webinars, seminars, rally and social media campaigns are conducted on this day globally. European Sepsis Alliance in Europe launched training programs at hospitals, while UNICEF in Africa focused on maternal-infant health. The Ministry of Health in India has launched the National Sepsis Awareness Campaign for 2025. Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi and Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai set up a special camp, where patients were advised to screening and prevention.
Prevention measures are simple but effective, including maintaining hygiene, getting vaccinated, timely treatment of wounds and contacting the doctor as soon as the infection is indicated. It is also necessary to stop misuse of antibiotics, as it is producing superbugs. Experts say that sepsis is 11 percent of maternal death and 21 percent of newborn death.
In countries like India, where infectious diseases are still prominent, this day offers an opportunity to increase health budget and strengthen primary health centers. World Sepsis Day reminds us that a small infection can become a large tragedy. Since 2012, it has contributed to saving millions of lives.
-IANS
SCH/DKP
