On Friday, September 13, over 80 structures across Canada lit up pink to mark World Sepsis Day, the most we've ever had! This is more than double the number of illuminations from last year, and for the first time, we covered all ten provinces, including Prince Edward Island. These illuminations are a powerful way to raise sepsis awareness across the country. Next year, we hope to expand even further by securing participation from all three territories, ensuring the entire nation is engaged in this critical cause.

In another milestone, five provinces and two territories officially proclaimed World Sepsis Day, bringing sepsis into the spotlight at the governmental level. These proclamations help legitimize the issue and strengthen our position when advocating for change within provincial health ministries. It’s an essential step toward ensuring that sepsis prevention, recognition, and treatment remain a top priority for policymakers.

Globally, the Global Sepsis Alliance launched the 2030 Global Agenda for Sepsis, a groundbreaking initiative to combat sepsis worldwide. Launched at the German Parliament on September 10, 2024, this strategy engages 70 partner organizations from across the globe, including Sepsis Canada. This initiative is a critical step towards improving global sepsis outcomes and bringing much-needed attention to this life-threatening condition.

Overall, World Sepsis Day 2024 was a resounding success for Sepsis Canada and the global sepsis community. With record-breaking participation, greater government recognition, and the 2030 Global Agenda for Sepsis launch, we’ve made significant strides in raising awareness and advocating for better sepsis outcomes. The momentum generated from this year’s efforts sets a strong foundation for continued progress in the fight against sepsis.