Awareness is the first step to preventing maternal and neonatal sepsis.

  • KNOW THE DEFINITION

    Maternal sepsis is a life-threatening condition defined as organ dysfunction resulting from infection during pregnancy, childbirth, post-abortion, or postpartum period.

  • UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT

    Infections are the primary cause of about 35 000 maternal deaths every year. Sepsis can contribute to up to 100 000 maternal deaths every year.

    Sepsis kills more than 1 million newborns every year.

    Reducing sepsis-related deaths can be achieved by attention to simple health measures in healthcare facilities during the peripartum period, such as:
    Promoting handwashing
    Ensuring clean birth practices
    Reducing overcrowding in facilities
    Improving access to water and sanitation
    Strengthening infection prevention and control measures

  • SUSPECT SEPSIS AND ACT FAST

    If you think a pregnant (or recently pregnant) woman or a newborn baby has sepsis, act fast. Sepsis is life-threatening, but when caught early and treated promptly, it can be stopped.
    1.Give fluids
    2.Give IV antibiotics
    3.Identify & treat the source of infection
    4.Consider transfer to specialised care
    5.Monitor vital signs of the mother and foetus

    Sources: WHO and The Global Sepsis Alliance

About Us

Maternal sepsis continues to be a leading cause of death for women and newborns. We need to understand why. The Global Maternal and Neonatal Sepsis Initiative aims to answer those questions through research, collaboration, innovation, and advocacy efforts to stop maternal sepsis.