A Life On The Edge: A Facility’s Experience In Sepsis Management
- APT-Sepsis Team
- Oct 28
- 2 min read
One afternoon at Rev. John Chilembwe Hospital in Phalombe when a young first-time mother was rushed in after two difficult days with a traditional birth attendant across the border. Exhausted, feverish and weak she arrived in critical condition. Her temperature was high, her heartbeat rapid, and signs of infection were evident. An ultrasound confirmed fetal death.
In the operating theatre, the medical team performed an emergency caesarean section and found the uterus full of pus, a severe infection. They cleaned and treated the infection, knowing the risk of complications remained high. Laboratory tests confirmed a white blood cell count was over 30,000.
Thanks to the FAST-M treatment bundle, the team acted swiftly right from admission. Fluids started, and the right antibiotics were on hand and administered without delay. The surgery-controlled part of the infection, but three days later, the patient deteriorated. Further surgery was needed and the team discovered that part of her uterus had turned necrotic. A debridement performed, and she was oxygen for six days.
Against all odds, the young woman began to recover. When she finally walked out of the hospital, alive and smiling, the entire ward felt the victory.
“This case could have ended in tragedy,” one clinician reflected. “Before the APT Sepsis intervention, we would have rushed to refer, and she might not have made it. But this time, we saved her.”
Preventing Maternal Sepsis and Saving Lives Worldwide
A proven, low-cost program improving the lives of mothers and their families.
Maternal sepsis is a leading cause of death during pregnancy and childbirth, particularly in low-resource countries. The Active Prevention and Treatment of Maternal Sepsis (APT-Sepsis) program has been shown to reduce serious infections and their consequences, supporting hospitals to improve maternal and newborn care. Learn more >
