By KT Reporter
Uganda has joined the rest of the world to commemorate International Sepsis Day, shining a spotlight on the silent but deadly condition that kills millions globally every year.
Sepsis, commonly referred to as blood poisoning, occurs when the body responds dangerously to an infection—whether bacterial, viral, or malaria-causing parasites—by damaging its own tissues and organs. Without urgent treatment, the condition can quickly lead to shock, organ failure, and death.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, said mothers, newborns, and people with weakened immunity—especially those with cancer or HIV/AIDS—are most at risk. He urged health facilities to thoroughly examine every patient presenting with fever, noting that early detection is crucial to reducing deaths and treatment costs.
Dr. Olaro added that four out of ten sepsis-related deaths are caused by germs resistant to available treatments, threatening progress towards Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Ministry of Health announced plans to increase funding for sepsis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. These efforts will include training health workers, improving detection and management, and raising public awareness to encourage early care-seeking. Sepsis response will also be integrated into pandemic preparedness and health security planning.
Dr. Suzan Nabadda, Commissioner in charge of National Health Laboratory Services, said health workers are being trained from Health Center IIIs up to national referral hospitals to detect and manage sepsis. She added that the ministry has expanded microbiology capacity to examine blood samples for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
According to the Ministry of Health, sepsis prevalence is particularly high in Gulu and Lira. Symptoms include high temperature, rapid breathing, confusion, shivering, and extreme weakness. In newborns, signs include refusal to breastfeed and sudden deterioration. This year’s commemoration was held under the theme: “Voices Against Sepsis.”
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