The Global Sepsis Alliance is proud to celebrate a historic achievement in the fight against sepsis in Belgium. On Friday, May 31, the first-ever comprehensive report on sepsis has been officially handed over to the Belgian Minister of Health, Frank Vandenbroucke.
This landmark event was made possible also through the dedication and efforts of GSA member Sepsibel, and the remarkable contributions of sepsis survivor Ilse Malfait. Her tireless dedication, courage, and advocacy have been instrumental in bringing the urgent issue of sepsis to the forefront of national health discussions.
The journey to this achievement began with a powerful TV report on Belgian national television VRT, which highlighted the devastating impact of sepsis. In response, Minister Vandenbroucke mandated Prof. Erika Vlieghe to produce a report for the preparation of a national action plan. Prof. Vlieghe swiftly mobilized a group of 62 experts from different disciplines, including physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and sepsis survivors, who produced the report in just six months. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Vlieghe for her exceptional leadership and to all the experts and survivors who contributed to this groundbreaking report.
At the World Sepsis Day event on September 12, 2023.
The GSA and the European Sepsis Alliance have been early supporters of Sepsibel since its inception. Our collaboration has been driven by a shared goal to enhance sepsis awareness, improve patient outcomes, and ultimately save lives. Sepsibel’s rapid mobilization and effective advocacy efforts, exemplified by the work of Ilse Malfait, have been truly inspiring. Her personal journey as a sepsis survivor has brought a powerful and relatable voice to the cause, helping to raise awareness and drive change at a national level. Ilse shared her story at the GSA World Sepsis Day event on September 12, 2023.
Reflecting on this historic milestone, Prof. Konrad Reinhart, Founding President of the Global Sepsis Alliance, stated: “We congratulate Sepsibel, Ilse Malfait, Prof. Vlieghe, and Minister Vandenbroucke for achieving this historic milestone in record time. The swift production of this report within just six months is a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of everyone involved. This achievement will undoubtedly pave the way for future advancements in sepsis awareness and management.”
Dr. Mariam Jashi, CEO of the Global Sepsis Alliance joins Prof. Reinhart in his congratulatory note to Belgium colleagues and notes: “Minister Vandenbroucke demonstrated a truly remarkable leadership, and we hope Belgium will inspire other EU policymakers to urgently prioritize sepsis in national and regional health policies in line with the 2017 World Health Assembly Sepsis Resolution. Belgium has also demonstrated best practice for people-centered and evidence-based health policy-making through active engagement of multi-disciplinary teams and sepsis survivors in the dialogue. As the GSA, we are especially proud of Ilse Malfait and our esteemed colleagues at Sepsibel for their inspiring fight that led to this critically important achievement".
As we celebrate this significant achievement, we remain focused on the future. The Global Sepsis Alliance will continue to support Sepsibel as we work towards the implementation of a national sepsis plan in Belgium.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have contributed to this milestone and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in the fight against sepsis.
THE REPORT AT A GLANCE
The submission of this report is not just an achievement in itself, but it also marks the beginning of a crucial process. The ultimate objective is to develop a national sepsis plan for Belgium, a comprehensive strategy that will ensure better prevention, recognition, and management of sepsis across the country. This first step lays the groundwork for significant improvements in public health and patient care.
The Belgian Sepsis National Action Plan (Be-SNAP) focuses on seven key areas to combat sepsis:
Awareness and Knowledge:
Increase public awareness and understanding of sepsis.
Educate healthcare providers on early recognition and management of sepsis.
Develop a National Sepsis Foundation to serve as a hub for educational materials and support.
Prevention and Safeguarding Antimicrobials:
Strengthen healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Promote vaccination and infection prevention measures.
Implement antimicrobial stewardship programs to prevent the misuse of antibiotics and combat antimicrobial resistance.
Early Warning Systems:
Develop and validate sepsis screening tools for use in various healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities, primary care, and hospitals.
Implement early warning scores and rapid response systems to detect and manage sepsis promptly.
Early Adequate Treatment:
Ensure timely administration of antibiotics and supportive care.
Provide large-scale education for healthcare providers on basic and advanced sepsis treatment.
Guarantee 24/7 availability of specialized care teams for severe cases.
Care Trajectory for Sepsis Survivors:
Develop a multidisciplinary rehabilitation pathway addressing physical, psychological, and neurological needs.
Ensure seamless transition and follow-up care from hospital to home.
Provide education on post-sepsis syndrome and support for survivors and their families.
Ethical Considerations and Advanced Care Planning:
Educate healthcare providers and the public about advance care planning and critical illness outcomes.
Support general practitioners and specialists in implementing advance care planning.
Ensure the availability of advance directives for all relevant healthcare providers.
Research and Surveillance:
Establish a Belgian sepsis registry to collect detailed data on sepsis cases.
Promote sepsis research and international collaboration.
Develop real-time analysis and reporting systems to monitor sepsis trends and improve patient care.
These pillars aim to reduce the incidence and impact of sepsis in Belgium through comprehensive strategies involving prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and continuous support for survivors. The plan emphasizes collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, and patient advocacy groups to achieve these goals.
