Uganda has joined the rest of the world to mark International Sepsis Day, highlighting the silent but deadly condition that kills millions globally each year.
Sepsis, sometimes called 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, it can lead to shock, organ failure, and death.
Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, told journalists on Tuesday that 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 all patients presenting with fever, stressing that early detection is key to saving lives and cutting treatment costs.
Olaro noted that four in 10 sepsis-related deaths are linked to drug-resistant germs, a growing threat to Uganda’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Ministry of Health announced new investments to strengthen sepsis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Planned actions include training health workers, expanding 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 for National Health Laboratory Services, said health workers are being trained from Health Center IIIs to national referral hospitals in sepsis detection and management. She added that microbiology capacity has been expanded to improve blood sample testing for more accurate diagnosis.
According to the ministry, sepsis prevalence is particularly high in Gulu and Lira. Symptoms include high fever, rapid breathing, confusion, shivering, and extreme weakness. In newborns, warning signs include refusal to breastfeed and sudden deterioration.
This year’s commemoration was held under the theme “Voices Against Sepsis.”
