The European Sepsis Alliance is thrilled to welcome you to its 8th Annual Meeting – live from the European Parliament in Brussels, starting at 14:30h CET today, March 19, 2025.

The 8th Annual Meeting of the ESA takes place under the distinguished patronage of MEP, former Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, and ESA Patron, Vytenis Andriukaitis. This year's meeting promises to be a significant occasion for discussing the urgency to include sepsis policies within the broader EU health policy context.

Following the developments and successes in global sepsis advocacy, the objective of this year's event is to engage European policymakers and stakeholders in understanding the intersection of sepsis with existing health threats and frameworks, such as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and pandemic preparedness strategies, the agenda of the European Health Emergency Response Authority (HERA), health management in conflict zones, to name a few. The meeting will delve into how sepsis preparedness is vital to enhance the overall public health strategy of the EU. A new European Parliament and a newly appointed European Commission provide a unique context to create the synergies needed.

Participants will have the opportunity to share best practices, engage in collaborative discussions, and propose concrete solutions that can be implemented at both national and EU levels. Your insights and experiences are invaluable to developing a cohesive approach to policy integration.

The ESA invites all members and stakeholders to join this important gathering and contribute to shaping the future of sepsis policy in Europe. Your participation is essential in advancing the dialogue on sepsis within the European health policy framework.

The Global Sepsis Alliance, in partnership with Sepsis Stiftung, was honored to host the esteemed American Actor and Filmmaker, Bill Pullman in Berlin as part of the filming for his upcoming documentary on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Sepsis.

This visit was a follow-up to the AMR Symposium at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in Vatican City, where Bill Pullman met with Prof. Konrad Reinhart, an internationally recognized Sepsis Champion, GSA’s Founding President, and the current President of Sepsis Stiftung. He also engaged with Dr. Mariam Jashi, CEO of the Global Sepsis Alliance and former Minister and Parliamentarian of Georgia.

Pullman’s mission to Berlin was supported by an outstanding production team, including award-winning director and producer Tom Donahue, producer Ilan Arboleda (co-founders of CreativeChaos), and Ukrainian cinematographer Maria Pankova. The GSA and Sepsis Stiftung wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the team for the excellent collaboration and dedication to raising awareness of Sepsis through the documentary.

Bill Pullman’s visit centered on raising awareness of the interlinked global health challenges posed by Sepsis and AMR. Throughout his stay, he engaged directly with patients and families impacted by Sepsis, as well as policymakers, healthcare providers, experts, and global health partners.

---

Thursday, February 27

The Actor’s day began with a visit to Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, where – joined by Prof. Konrad Reinhart – he conducted interviews with Prof. Claudia Spies, Clinical Director of the Campus, and leading medical experts, including Dr. Björn Weiß, Dr. Karin Steinecke, and Dr. Wiltrud Abels. The discussions focused on the treatment of septic patients, with a particular emphasis on telemedicine’s role in supporting critically ill patients in other countries such as Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Uganda, and South Africa. These meetings highlighted the hospital's innovative approaches to Sepsis care. 

One of the most significant moments of the visit came when Bill Pullman met with Sepsis patients currently receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit at Charité. The encounter underscored the human impact of Sepsis and provided Pullman with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced both by the patients and healthcare providers.

The visit to the clinic continued in discussions with Prof. Michael Booke, who leads a pioneering Sepsis project in the Main Taunus Region. The project has trained over 1,000 community members, ambulance services, and healthcare workers, emphasizing that Sepsis should be treated with the same urgency as a heart attack or stroke.

In the afternoon, Pullman visited the GSA’s office at the Benjamin Franklin Campus, Charité University, where Mariam Jashi presented the work of the Global Sepsis Alliance, 6 Regional Sepsis Alliances for Africa, Asia Pacific, Caribbean, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, and Latin America, and the achievements of GSA’s leaders in Canada, UK, and USA. Marvin Zick, Simone Mancini, and Katja Couball joined the CEO in presenting the 2030 Global Agenda for Sepsis, as the first global strategy to tackle Sepsis, and the two flagship initiatives of the GSA – the annual World Sepsis Congresses and the World Sepsis Day movement, which has garnered over 50,000 supporters across 180 countries.

The day concluded with a Pre-Symposium Reception hosted by Prof. Konrad Reinhart, President of Sepsis Stiftung. Here, Pullman and his production team had the opportunity to conduct interviews with Sepsis survivors, clinicians, and researchers, all of whom are contributing to the global fight against Sepsis. The highlight of the evening was a musical performance by Arne Trumann, a pianist who, after losing several fingers to Sepsis, relearned to play.

---

Friday, February 28

The production team spent the morning filming at iconic Berlin landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall Memorial, incorporating the city’s rich cultural heritage into the documentary’s focus on global health.

Later, a working lunch was organized by the Virchow Foundation at the Berlin Global Health Collective. This session brought together prominent figures in global health to discuss the urgent need to synergize policies surrounding Sepsis and AMR. Bill Pullman conducted interviews with Dr. Georg Kippels, Member of the German Bundestag and Chair of the AMR Working Group; Prof. Detlev Ganten – Founding President of the World Health Summit and Co-founder of the Virchow Foundation, and Mr. Roland Göhde – CEO and Co-founder of the Virchow Foundation and Board Chair of the German Health Alliance. Branwen Hennig, Executive Director of the Global Health Policy Lab, and Victoria Grandsoult, Managing Director of the Virchow Foundation, also participated in valuable roundtable discussions.

International Symposium “Overcoming Silos by Synergizing the Fight Against Sepsis and AMR” followed at the Berlin Museum of Medical History, where Bill Pullman delivered a Keynote Speech about why he became committed to raising awareness and advocating for stronger action against Sepsis and AMR. Co-organized by the Global Sepsis Alliance and Sepsis Stiftung, and supported by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berliner Medizinische Gesellschaft, the German Health Alliance, and the Virchow Foundation, this symposium brought together leading experts, policymakers, Sepsis survivors and families affected by this devastating medical emergency and innovators working on the new and more effective solutions for Sepsis prevention, early detection, therapies and AI tools. During this event, Bill Pullman participated in interviews with researchers, clinicians, and sepsis survivors, further emphasizing the importance of global collaboration to combat Sepsis and AMR.

We would like to acknowledge with special gratitude the Sepsis survivors and the family members of those who have tragically lost their lives to Sepsis. Bill Pullman and the Symposium participants had the opportunity to witness the life-changing stories that transformed into powerful voice and action in Germany, the UK and Belgium. The panelists included:      

• Youssef Kdami, father of a 2-year-old son who underwent quadruple amputation after meningococcal Sepsis

• Uwe Wiermann, Sepsis survivor and amputee, Regional Director for NRW Amputee Association

• Simon Seyfarth, triple German para-athletics champion after leg amputation and multiple surgical interventions

• Mariah McKimbrough, who had to give up her career as a musical actor due to severe physical disability caused by Sepsis

• Arne Trumann, pianist who lost several fingers to Sepsis but relearned to play music

• Ilse Malfait, who lost her legs due to delayed diagnosis of Sepsis and became a driving force behind Belgium’s National Sepsis Plan

• Merope Mills, who after the tragic and avoidable death of her daughter, campaigned for the introduction of Martha’s Rule in the UK. The rule would allow patients or their families to request a critical care review if they believe the patient’s condition is deteriorating and their concerns are not being heard.

• Kerstin Martensen, who recently lost her son to Sepsis and is now an advocate for Sepsis awareness in Germany

• Sylvia Wiermann, who stood by her husband through his coma and multiple organ failures due to Sepsis

• Marion Pfeiffer, whose husband now requires permanent intensive care at home after Sepsis and sent her video address.

Prof. Reinhart and Dr. Jashi are grateful to Prof. Joachim Spranger – Dean of the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Prof. David Horst – Board Member of the Berlin Medical Society, Roland Göhde – CEO & Co-Founder, Virchow Foundation and Chair of the Board, German Health Alliance (GHA) and Stefan Kaufmann – Founding Director, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology for their outstanding addresses and presentations.

On behalf of the GSA and Sepsis Stiftung, finally, we extend special thanks for the important  support and interventions on Sepsis research and innovations to Dr. Jörn Ole Vollert – Medical Director, BRAHMS Thermo Fisher, Prof. Niels Riedemann – CEO of InflaRx, Dr. Andreas Bergmann – CEO of 4TEEN4 Pharmaceuticals,  Dr. Stephan Witte – Chief Medical Officer of Adrenomed and Dr. Mehdi Dastur – Chief Medical Officer, TIPLU.  

---

Saturday, March 1

The morning began with a visit to a nursing home led by Dr. Irmgard Landgraf, a Sepsis Ambassador. Bill witnessed firsthand how quality improvement initiatives implemented by Dr. Landgraf and her team have dramatically reduced Sepsis-related mortality among elderly patients – one of the most vulnerable groups to Sepsis. Prof. Konrad Reinhart and Ilona Köster-Steinebach, CEO of Sepsis Stiftung, accompanied Pullman during this visit.

Bill Pullman continued his filming and advocacy work with a visit to the German Bundestag. The actor was accompanied by Mariam Jashi, the Former Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee and Deputy Minister of Labour, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia.

At the German Parliament, the world-known American Actor was hosted by Prof. Andrew Ullmann, the Founding Chair of the Global Health Sub-Committee at the German Bundestag and the Chapter Char for Western and Central Europe of the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health. Bill Pullman, Andrew Ullmann, and Mariam Jashi discussed the critical role of Parliamentarians in shaping global and national policies for AMR and Sepsis, including the launch of the 2030 Global Agenda for Sepsis. 

The highlight of the visit to Bundestag was the opportunity to interview Mariah McKimbrough, Art Director of the Sepsis Stiftung, who has experienced multiple episodes of Sepsis, had to go through more than 50 surgeries and – after meeting Prof. Konrad Reinhart, the driving force behind the Sepsis-related research and advocacy in Germany and internationally – decided to dedicate her work to awareness raising and protecting others from this medical emergency.

---

Throughout his visit, Pullman highlighted the critical work being done in Sepsis care and prevention and emphasized the importance of global collaboration to address both Sepsis and AMR.

We extend our sincere admiration and gratitude to Bill Pullman for his unwavering dedication to documenting the global burden of Sepsis and AMR, and for his efforts to help save millions of lives.

Update Feb 28, 2025: The livestream has concluded, thanks for joining. You can rewatch the event above or directly on YouTube.

---

Original article:
Join us for the International Symposium “Overcoming Silos by Synergizing the Fight Against Sepsis and AMR” – the free livestream on YouTube will start very soon, at 14:00h CET/Berlin today, Friday, Feb 28, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to engage with speakers and sepsis survivors via the chat. The event recording will be available immediately after the livestream has concluded.

Sepsis and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are closely linked – yet too often discussed separately. To effectively fight both, they must be addressed as part of a unified strategy in global and national health policies.

Co-organized by the Global Sepsis Alliance and Sepsis Stiftung, and supported by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berliner Medizinische Gesellschaft, the German Health Alliance, and the Virchow Foundation, this symposium will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and survivors to explore the intersection of sepsis and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and advance global solutions for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

---

Highlights include:

• Exclusive keynote by Bill Pullman – we are honored to welcome Bill Pullman, actor, filmmaker, and AMR Ambassador, who will share why he is personally committed to raising awareness and advocating for stronger action against sepsis and AMR.

• Survivor and Family perspectives – showcasing the life-changing impact of sepsis

• Cutting-edge discussions on prevention, AI, Vaccination, and treatment approaches

Be part of the movement to save lives and shape the future of sepsis and AMR research – wherever you are. Join us in person in Berlin or tune in via the free livestream on YouTube.

Update Feb 25, 2025: The livestream has concluded, thanks for joining. You can rewatch the event above or directly on YouTube. See you at the 5th World Sepsis Congress in April!

---

Original article:
The Global Sepsis Alliance is set to host the 5th WSC Satellite Session, titled “Metabolism of Sepsis: Avenue for Improved Diagnosis and Therapy,” today, on February 25, 2025, at 16:00 CET.

This free online event, livestreamed to YouTube, will bring together leading experts to explore the critical role of metabolism in sepsis survival and treatment. Speakers will cover a range of cutting-edge topics, including amino acid metabolism in NK cells, the role of lactate in septic patients, long-term immunometabolic defects, and the metabolic regulation of immune function.

Presenters include

• Sarah Huen, United States

• Maxim Nosenko, Ireland

• Marek Nalos, Czech Republic

• Marcela Hortová Kohoutková, Czech Republic

• Luís Ferreira da Motta, Portugal

• Reinaldo Salomão, Brazil

This session is organized in collaboration with BEAT SEPSIS, the European Immunometabolism Network (EIMN), the International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), and Trinity College Dublin. It aims to enhance global knowledge on sepsis metabolism, paving the way for innovative diagnostics and therapies. Join the conversation and stay at the forefront of sepsis research.

The 5th World Sepsis Congress is a free online congress hosted by the Global Sepsis Alliance on April 8-9, 2025.

Join us for the International Symposium “Overcoming Silos by Synergizing the Fight Against Sepsis and AMR”, taking place on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 14:00 to 18:00 CET live from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Sepsis and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are closely linked—yet too often discussed separately. To effectively fight both, they must be addressed as part of a unified strategy in global and national health policies.

Co-organized by the Global Sepsis Alliance and Sepsis Stiftung, and supported by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berliner Medizinische Gesellschaft, the German Health Alliance, and the Virchow Foundation, this symposium will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and survivors to explore the intersection of sepsis and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and advance global solutions for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

---

Highlights include:

• Exclusive keynote by Bill Pullman – we are honored to welcome Bill Pullman, actor, filmmaker, and AMR Ambassador, who will share why he is personally committed to raising awareness and advocating for stronger action against sepsis and AMR.

• Survivor and Family perspectives – showcasing the life-changing impact of sepsis

• Cutting-edge discussions on prevention, AI, Vaccination, and treatment approaches

Be part of the movement to save lives and shape the future of sepsis and AMR research – wherever you are. Join us in person in Berlin or tune in via the free livestream on YouTube.

---

Register Now

---

Contact Us

For any questions on the event, or if you are a member of the media looking to cover it, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll get back to you promptly.

Free Online Event on February 25, 2025

The Global Sepsis Alliance is set to host the 5th WSC Satellite Session, titled “Metabolism of Sepsis: Avenue for Improved Diagnosis and Therapy,” on February 25, 2025, at 16:00 CET.

This free online event, livestreamed to YouTube, will bring together leading experts to explore the critical role of metabolism in sepsis survival and treatment. Speakers will cover a range of cutting-edge topics, including amino acid metabolism in NK cells, the role of lactate in septic patients, long-term immunometabolic defects, and the metabolic regulation of immune function.

Presenters include

• Sarah Huen, United States

• Maxim Nosenko, Ireland

• Marek Nalos, Czech Republic

• Marcela Hortová Kohoutková, Czech Republic

• Luís Ferreira da Motta, Portugal

• Reinaldo Salomão, Brazil

This session is organized in collaboration with BEAT SEPSIS, the European Immunometabolism Network (EIMN), the International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), and Trinity College Dublin. It aims to enhance global knowledge on sepsis metabolism, paving the way for innovative diagnostics and therapies. Join the conversation and stay at the forefront of sepsis research.

The 5th World Sepsis Congress is a free online congress hosted by the Global Sepsis Alliance on April 8-9, 2025.

The Global Sepsis Alliance is thrilled to announce that registrations for the 5th World Sepsis Congress are now open.

Under the theme Sepsis Research and Innovations, this free virtual event on April 8-9, 2025 will bring together over 15,000 participants from more than 180 countries to address one of our time's most pressing global health challenges.

Dr. Niranjan ‘Tex’ Kissoon

“This congress is an invitation for all to come together and reaffirm our commitment to end suffering and preventable deaths from sepsis, and to appreciate the progress being made by dedicated colleagues worldwide. Please join us in April 2025.”

— Dr. Niranjan 'Tex' Kissoon, President Global Sepsis Alliance

“We are excited to host a Congress that fosters collaboration and inspires innovation. The 5th World Sepsis Congress will empower us to collectively address the enormous global burden of sepsis and develop solutions that advance healthcare for all.”

— Dr. Mariam Jashi, CEO Global Sepsis Alliance

Dr. Mariam Jashi

The program features over 90 expert speakers, including leading clinicians, scientists, policymakers, and representatives from patient advocacy groups. Topics will range from the latest research on personalized medicine and innovative therapies to global strategies for infection prevention to sepsis care delivery, and how AI can be leveraged to diagnose sepsis early. Special attention will be given to the impact of climate change on infectious diseases, the rising threat of AMR, and how combating sepsis aligns with the SDGs’ commitment to health equity and universal access to care.

Additionally, the congress will feature two panel discussions, which will make patients' voices heard and showcase lessons from countries that are reducing sepsis mortality through system change.

Registration for the 5th World Sepsis Congress is now open. Attendees can participate live on their internet-connected devices and access recordings on demand after the event. Join us as we come together to tackle sepsis, save lives, and create a healthier, more sustainable future.

Together for a Healthier Tomorrow

Warm greetings from the entire Team at the Global Sepsis Alliance! As we welcome 2025, we extend our wishes for a Happy New Year filled with joy, success, and good health for you and your loved ones.

Reflecting on the past year, we are grateful for the remarkable partnerships and collective achievements that have strengthened the global fight against sepsis. We are committed to strengthening our collaborations with all GSA members and partner organizations. Together, we will make 2025 a landmark year in the renewed global fight against sepsis.

---

Download the 2024 WSD Event Poster

The final version of the 2024 World Sepsis Day Event Poster is now available to download. We have corrected errors and added missing photos, making it even better. It’s filled with exciting activities and events happening worldwide to raise awareness about sepsis. You can download it below and share it online or print it out for your office or home. Let’s spread the word and make a difference!

---

The World Sepsis Day Toolkit Section

Our toolkits – soon to be updated for 2025 – cover a diverse range of materials from event resources to engaging infographics, fact sheets, posters, and more. Our commitment is to provide valuable resources that are not only essential but also easily accessible to our global audience and stakeholders.

All our resources remain freely available and accessible in multiple languages, ensuring that important information can reach diverse audiences around the world. If you haven't explored them recently, we encourage you to take a look – there's a wealth of resources available, and we continue to add more materials and languages regularly.

As you may know, some of our resources, such as our Pocket Cards or the Life After Sepsis Brochure, can be ordered as professionally printed versions through our WSD Online Shop, with international shipping. The GSA Team is ready to provide any needed assistance in the process.

Pocket Cards for Medical Professionals, 10 Pack

€5.00

WSD Life After Sepsis Brochure, 5 Pack

€11.00

Pocket Cards for the General Public, 10 Pack

€6.00

---

Looking Ahead: A Pivotal Year for Sepsis Advocacy

For 2025, our mission to combat sepsis grows ever stronger. This year will mark a pivotal moment in our journey, as we accelerate efforts to implement the 2030 Global Agenda for Sepsis, driving meaningful action toward prevention, early recognition, and equitable care worldwide.

A key highlight will be the 5th World Sepsis Congress in April, where experts, advocates, and stakeholders will come together to share the latest advancements and insights in sepsis care and innovation.

We will also be in Geneva in May for the World Health Assembly, in New York in September for UNGA80, and at smaller but no less important global health meetings worldwide.

---

Join Us in the Fight Against Sepsis

With your continued support, we can bring 2025 closer to a future where no one needlessly suffers or dies from sepsis. Let’s move forward together—stronger, more united, and more determined than ever before.

---

Make a Difference: Donate to Support World Sepsis Day

In challenging times, every effort counts. We’d be so grateful if you could donate to help fight sepsis around the world. Any contribution, big or small, makes a difference and helps to save lives.