Sepsis is the main cause of death from most infectious diseases — bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic (such as malaria). It accounts for one in five deaths worldwide. Despite medical advances, 30-day mortality remains high even in developed countries: 33.7% in North America and 32.5% in Europe. Patients often face long-term health consequences that affect quality of life and require rehabilitation, according to Yerevan State Medical University’s “Heratsi” National Research Center.
The global alliance formed in 2012 declared September 13 as World Sepsis Day, now observed in 170 countries. The 2024 campaign announced a global strategy against sepsis through 2030 under the slogan “5 Facts, 5 Actions.”
Five key facts about sepsis:
- Sepsis remains the world’s leading infectious killer: every 3 seconds, one person dies. WHO recorded 48.9 million cases and 11 million deaths annually. Oxford University estimated 21 million deaths in 2021, 4 million due to antimicrobial resistance.
- Vulnerable groups are most affected: 85% of the global burden is in low- and middle-income countries. Children under five face around 20 million cases annually. Women, the elderly, and immunocompromised people are also at risk.
- Many sepsis deaths are preventable: vaccination, hygiene, infection control, and early diagnosis save lives. Delaying antibiotics by just one hour raises death risk by 0.4–7%.
- Only 15 countries have a national sepsis policy, despite its role in 20% of global deaths. However, 180 countries have antimicrobial resistance strategies.
- Stronger action is needed: without effective sepsis control, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals cannot be met.
A special focus was placed on pandemic preparedness: 78% of severe Covid-19 patients in intensive care developed sepsis. Health workers, military staff, and humanitarian professionals are at heightened risk during crises.
Five urgent actions against sepsis:
- Governments must adopt national strategies, priorities, and funding.
- Develop guidelines and training programs for medical staff.
- Focus on early detection and rapid treatment.
- Raise public awareness through media and community outreach.
- Prioritize sepsis prevention in emergencies.
These measures, coordinated among WHO member states, aim to reduce the health and economic burden of sepsis by 2030.
