Health Ministry launches "Stop Infection, Save Lives" campaign

The Ministry of Health, represented by the Antimicrobial Resistance Unit at the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control, launched the National Sepsis Awareness Campaign on Tuesday under the slogan “Stop Sepsis, Save Lives,” in the presence and under the patronage of Deputy Minister Sheikh Dr. Salman Khalifa Al-Sabah.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said that the campaign, which coincides with World Sepsis Day observed annually on September 13, aims to raise community awareness of the dangers of the disease and the importance of early detection, while also enhancing the awareness and readiness of healthcare workers to recognize its signs and respond appropriately in a timely manner.

The ministry clarified that sepsis, also known as blood poisoning, is a serious medical condition that can arise from the body’s extreme response to infection. Many of its causes can be prevented by adhering to hand hygiene, food safety, breastfeeding, and receiving recommended vaccines, as well as by seeking medical care promptly when concerning symptoms appear.

The statement quoted Deputy Minister Salman Al-Sabah thanking the medical teams and those organizing the campaign for their efforts in promoting health awareness, expressing his hope for the continuation and intensification of awareness campaigns directed at the public and healthcare workers.

For his part, Dr. Hussein Al-Shammari, Head of the Antimicrobial Resistance Unit, affirmed that the campaign represents a practical step to enhance national readiness to manage sepsis by unifying clinical procedures, improving the efficiency of early diagnosis, and supporting hospital medical teams with evidence-based policies and protocols.

Al-Shammari explained that preventing sepsis, detecting it promptly, and initiating appropriate treatment at the right time are essential factors that contribute to saving lives and reducing health complications.

The campaign launch took place at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, attended by Deputy Minister for Public Health Affairs Dr. Al-Munther Al-Hassawi and several ministry officials. The campaign’s activities are being held with the participation of seven general hospitals under the Ministry of Health, in coordination with their respective administrations.