Introduction
The Sri Lanka Sepsis Alliance (SLSA) was established in September 2023 with the endorsement of the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), the highest-ranking health official in Sri Lanka. Its mission is to improve patient care for sepsis and prevent preventable deaths. The Alliance is a joint venture between the College of Anaesthesiologists and Intensivists of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, with plans to expand membership to other professional colleges.
Founding Principles and Initial Activities
On its inauguration day, the SLSA, in collaboration with the founding colleges' presidents, presented the "Colombo Declaration," outlining the Alliance's future goals. A core objective is to foster multidisciplinary and multi-professional collaboration in the fight against sepsis. Recognizing its significance, the SLSA has established close ties with the Asia Pacific Sepsis Alliance, a partner in the global effort against sepsis.
Previously, efforts by individual professional colleges to address sepsis were limited in scope due to their specific professional focuses. The SLSA addresses this gap by providing a common forum for collective action with a unified objective: leveraging multidisciplinary expertise to combat sepsis.
The Alliance's first public engagement was a successful workshop held at Lady Ridgeway Children's Hospital during World Pediatric Sepsis Awareness Week. The workshop, organized in collaboration with Ceylon College of Paediatricians and the hospital, attracted a record number of pediatricians and medical officers. This workshop exemplifies the Alliance's commitment to providing academic input to healthcare professionals.
Membership Drive and Collaboration
Following the successful pediatric workshop, the SLSA launched a recruitment drive for both medical and non-medical professionals. The enthusiastic response has resulted in a significant number of new members.
The next step is to strengthen collaboration with other professional colleges. The SLSA's virtual office has contacted 17 medical professional colleges, requesting each to nominate two representatives for collaboration. With approximately 50% of colleges having already responded, a core working group will be formed from these nominees. This group will plan the upcoming Sri Lanka Sepsis Congress, scheduled for September 14, 2024. Targeting postgraduate medical trainees, the congress aligns with the SLSA's focus on academic activities and future healthcare leadership.
Expanding Educational Initiatives
Recognizing the crucial role of nurses in sepsis management, the SLSA plans to organize workshops focusing on "Nurses' Role in Sepsis." The first workshop, scheduled for July 19, 2024, will target the Colombo group of hospitals, including participation from the private sector. Additional workshops are planned for all provinces.
Looking Forward
Within its first year, the SLSA has made significant progress. While financial limitations exist, with the generous support of the Ministry of Health's Education, Training, and Research Unit, the Alliance is committed to using all resources effectively for its academic and professional goals. The SLSA remains steadfast in its mission, guided by the principle of "fighting sepsis together."
