Sepsis education for stakeholders in Sub-Saharan Africa

pedclerk.bsd.uchicago.edu

Sepsis is also known as blood poisoning, and can be triggered by an infection in any part of the body (e.g. urinary tract). 

For a detailed definition in relation to pregnancy, it is an:

“Infection of the genital tract occurring at anytime between the rupture of membrane or labour, and the 42^nd day postpartum, of which two or more of the following are present: pelvic pain, fever 38.5^oC or more, abnormal vaginal discharge, abnormal smell of discharge, and delay in the rate of reduction of size of uterus (less than 2cm a day during the first 8 days)”(Bamfo, 2013)

Research strongly suggests that there is a link between unhygienic circumstances and sepsis. For example women may encounter such situations when they use untrained traditional birth attendants for deliveries. Reports show that majority of women in Sub-Saharan Africa deliver outside health facilities, without skilled attendants (e.g. 69% of Nigerian women).

Majority of sepsis-induced deaths are almost entirely preventable with the effective usage of aseptic techniques, and the timely detection and treatment of infections. On one end of the spectrum, the women of childbearing age should be encouraged to seek out adequate health care institutions during pregnancy.

While on the other end, the women’s health care seeking behaviors were not solely to be blamed for the acute sepsis influenced deaths. The health-care institutions are also responsible, due to lack of preparedness and neglect. It has been reported that in low-income countries such as Nigeria, clean birth practices, in parallel with monitoring and active third stage management, may potentially prevent up to 23% of maternal death. Indicating the need for communicating the importance of quality checks and controls, with regards to service providers and their facilities.

The reduction of sepsis-induced deaths was an essential instrument for the reduction of maternal mortality rates in developed countries such as the United Kingdom. With such revelation, isn’t it time this direct cause of maternal mortality is paid more attention?

The potential negative health influence of native/home births and utilisation of unskilled traditional birth attendants has been indicated, and this will be discussed in the next post. 

   

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