Advocacy needed for pediatric sepsis in resource-limited countries

Pediatric sepsis is a life-threatening global health crisis that disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) owing to gaps in awareness, diagnosis, and treatment. The Phoenix criteria and 2030 World Sepsis Declaration highlight the need for inclusive, multisectoral policies to combat this issue. In nations such as India, high population density, healthcare inequities, and environmental risks worsen outcomes, threatening public health and economic stability. Despite existing programs, barriers such as limited access to the intensive care unit (ICU), antimicrobial resistance, and costly technologies persist. A holistic approach—improving sanitation, infection prevention education, antimicrobial stewardship, and timely sepsis care—is vital to reducing child mortality. Urgent policy action is needed to save young people in LMICs. …