With support from WHO, the Global Sepsis Alliance (GSA) hosted its annual World Sepsis Congress on 8–9 April 2025, continuing its mission to combat the global health threat of sepsis. Since its inception in 2016, this free online congress has become a vital platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaborations among clinicians, scientists, policymakers and patient advocates.
This year’s congress featured over 90 expert speakers, including leading clinicians, scientists, policymakers, sepsis survivors and representatives from patient advocacy groups. With more than 15 000 participants from over 180 countries, the event was a significant gathering dedicated to addressing the key issues surrounding sepsis.
Several WHO staff members, including WHO Chief Scientist, Dr Jeremy Farrar; WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, Dr Yukiko Nakatani; and technical leads from various departments, were present at the congress. The WHO’s involvement underscores the importance of global collaboration in the fight against sepsis.
During the Congress, the delegates discussed issues such as integrated emergency, critical and operative care, research agenda for antimicrobial resistance and sepsis, potential of AI in the global sepsis response, and sepsis in emergencies and humanitarian crisis, among others.
Dr Teri Reynolds, Unit Head for WHO Clinical Services and Systems, said, “The World Sepsis Congress gathers global stakeholders to share knowledge aimed at preventing death and disability from sepsis, with WHO emphasizing the importance of prevention and people-centred care pathways to improve early recognition and optimize health system navigation for timely care. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Global Sepsis Alliance, a key partner in our Acute Care Action Network.”
In response to the growing global burden of sepsis, the WHO adopted Resolution WHA70.7 in May 2017, focusing on improving the prevention, diagnosis and clinical management of sepsis. The resolution’s key pillars include developing clinical management guidelines, estimating the global burden of sepsis, supporting member states in implementing standards, and enhancing sepsis treatment and infection prevention.
The World Sepsis Congress serves as a critical platform for updating current research, discussing new innovations and advancing clinical, political and financial support to reduce sepsis mortality and its associated sequelae. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the congress aims to address the global burden of sepsis and improve outcomes for patients and their families.
