What is World Sepsis Day?

Sepsis is a global problem, killing more than 30 million people around the world every year. New Zealand is part of these grim statistics, with an annual death rate that surpasses that of breast, bowel and lung cancers combined.

On September 13, the Global Sepsis Alliance (GSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are urging all health systems, policymakers, healthcare workers, and civilians to develop a concerted effort on sepsis prevention, diagnosis, and management to save lives.

Sepsis Trust New Zealand is a member of the Global Sepsis Alliance, a non-profit charity organization with the mission to provide global leadership in reducing the worldwide burden of sepsis. The GSA is the initiator of World Sepsis Day on September 13 and World Sepsis Congress, a series of free online congresses bringing knowledge about sepsis to all parts of the world, among other initiatives. The GSA works closely with its member organizations, patient advocacy groups, professional societies, healthcare authorities, and governments to implement changes on how sepsis is prioritized, diagnosed, and treated all around the world, guided by the WHO Resolution on Sepsis.

To find out more, visit:

Global Sepsis Alliance
www.global-sepsis-alliance.

New Zealand Action Plan Launch

The NZ Sepsis Trust have chosen World Sepsis Day to launch the NZ National Sepsis Action Plan. This plan  proposes the establishment of a National Sepsis Network (NSN) which will provide national leadership, create a shared sense of purpose and greater awareness of sepsis.

It was felt that World Sepsis Day, which highlights that 20% of people globally die each year because of sepsis, was also an appropriate time to launch a New Zealand Sepsis Action Plan. The NZ  Sepsis Action Plan will bring survivor, community and clinical knowledge together and recommends reporting of agreed performance indicators to key government agencies.

Read the letter of support for our Action Plan from the GSA:

To read more and provide feedback on the plan, click here.

How you can help

We have also launched our first ever virtual event – STEPPING OUT FOR SEPSIS is our campaign to raise $150,000 to fund a support service for people in the community who have been discharged from hospital following sepsis, focussing on those with severe symptoms or who have been in ICU. We’re grateful to everyone who pulls on their trainers to support this, individually or in a team.

It’s an exciting opportunity for families, friends, workplaces and colleagues to come together to stay active whilst supporting our very special organisation.  Step out with us here