The Sepsis Foundation calls for consistent use of the term “sepsis” in public communication, media reports and health policy. Despite a WHO recommendation from 2017, the disease is still often not explicitly named in Germany, which could make it more difficult to perceive the burden of the disease and hinder prevention and early detection.

The World Health Organization had already called on its member states in 2017 to use the term “sepsis” clearly towards patients, relatives and the public in order to raise awareness of this life-threatening complication of infections. According to the Sepsis Foundation, this demand is still insufficiently implemented in Germany. In reports of severe infections, organ failure or deaths after pneumonia, COVID-19, influenza or other diseases, the term sepsis is often missing.

According to the foundation, sepsis causes about 140,000 deaths in Germany every year, hundreds of thousands of long-term consequences and health and follow-up costs of more than 30 billion euros. More than two-thirds of the approximately 360,000 survivors suffered from long-term physical, cognitive or psychological impairments. Nevertheless, the disease remains largely invisible in the public perception and health policy debate.

The Sepsis Foundation appeals in particular to the media, journalists and those responsible for health communication to explicitly name sepsis. A clear designation could make the population much more aware of prevention, vaccinations, hygiene measures and the early detection of warning signs. The foundation expressly sees the media as important partners in this regard.

Prof. Dr. Konrad Reinhart, Chairman of the Sepsis Foundation, explained that the lack of mention of sepsis is not only a communication problem, but a relevant obstacle to improving health literacy and patient safety. Only through a clear designation can the actual extent of the burden of disease become visible and receive the necessary political priority.

The Sepsis Foundation has been committed to the prevention, early detection and better treatment of sepsis for years. She was instrumental in the WHO resolution of 2017 and demands, among other things, a National Sepsis Plan for Germany.

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Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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