World Sepsis Day 2025: 5 Facts × 5 Actions to Save Lives

Every year on 13th September, the world comes together to mark World Sepsis Day. This important awareness day shines a light on one of the most urgent and yet often overlooked medical conditions: sepsis. In 2025, the theme is “5 Facts × 5 Actions”, highlighting five key truths about sepsis and five urgent steps that governments, healthcare providers, and communities must take to save lives.

First established in 2012 by the Global Sepsis Alliance, World Sepsis Day is now marked across the globe. In the UK, it forms part of Sepsis Awareness Month in September. By spreading awareness, we can ensure that more people recognise the signs, seek help early, and ultimately save lives.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Without timely recognition and treatment, sepsis can lead to: septic shock, multi-organ failure, and death. Sepsis is the final common pathway to death from most infectious diseases worldwide, including viral infections such as COVID-19.

Global Impact of Sepsis

• 1 in 5 deaths globally is caused by sepsis.
• Every year, there are 49 million cases and 11 million deaths – more than those caused by cancer.
• Sepsis affects people of all ages but is especially dangerous for newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Sepsis can look like other conditions, which makes it harder to recognise. Early awareness is vital. Seek urgent medical help if infection is suspected and symptoms include:

• Slurred speech or confusion
• Extreme shivering, fever, or feeling very cold
• Passing no urine (in a day)
• Severe breathlessness
• Skin mottled, discoloured, or very pale

A useful way to remember is the acronym SEPSIS:

• Slurred speech or confusion
• Extreme shivering or muscle pain
• Passing no urine
• Severe breathlessness
• It feels like you’re going to die
• Skin mottled or discoloured

Sepsis is a medical emergency. With prompt treatment, lives can be saved. Care may include: rapid antibiotics to fight infection, IV fluids to stabilise blood pressure, oxygen therapy, and specialist care in intensive care units (ICU) for severe cases. Early recognition and quick treatment are the most important factors in survival.

World Sepsis Day 2025 Theme: 5 Facts × 5 Actions

This year’s theme focuses on sharing essential truths and life-saving steps:

Five Facts about Sepsis:

1. Sepsis is common, affecting millions worldwide.
2. Sepsis is deadly, causing 1 in 5 deaths globally.
3. Sepsis is often overlooked and underdiagnosed.
4. Sepsis can affect anyone, but early treatment saves lives.
5. Sepsis is preventable in many cases through vaccination, hygiene, and infection control.

Five Actions to Take:

1. Raise awareness in your community.
2. Promote prevention through hygiene and vaccination.
3. Train healthcare providers to recognise sepsis early.
4. Strengthen health systems to prioritise rapid treatment.
5. Advocate for investment in sepsis research and resources.