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Updated: Mar 23, 2026
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Neonatal sepsis in Africa: what are we missing?
Luria Leslie Founou1, Raspail Carrel Founou2, Esmita Charani3
1Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (ReMARCH) Research Unit, Research Institute of the Centre of Expertise and Biological Diagnostic of Cameroon (CEDBCAM-RI), Yaoundé, Cameroon; Infection and Global Health Division, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK; Antimicrobial Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
Neonatal sepsis in Africa is a major public health crisis, worsened by antimicrobial resistance. Addressing this requires a community-centered One Health approach to reduce preventable newborn deaths.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Global Health
Background:
- Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of preventable newborn deaths in Africa, hindering progress on Sustainable Development Goal 3.2.
- Overlooked factors like sociocultural norms, fragmented health systems, inequities, and low political will exacerbate the crisis.
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) significantly complicates neonatal sepsis, making it a critical AMR challenge in the region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the escalating threat of antimicrobial-resistant neonatal sepsis in Africa.
- To identify key gaps in healthcare and health systems.
- To evaluate underimplemented evidence-based interventions.
Main Methods:
- This Personal View assesses the current landscape of neonatal sepsis and AMR in Africa.
- It reviews existing literature and identifies systemic and healthcare-related challenges.
- The study appraises the effectiveness and implementation status of interventions.
Main Results:
- Political inaction and systemic neglect are identified as primary drivers of the crisis.
- Significant gaps exist in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and healthcare system integration.
- Underimplementation of evidence-based interventions contributes to sustained high mortality rates.
Conclusions:
- Urgent, context-appropriate actions are needed to combat antimicrobial-resistant neonatal sepsis.
- A shift towards a community-centered One Health approach is essential, integrating biomedical, environmental, and sociocultural aspects.
- Uniting global and local leadership and tailoring strategies to diverse African realities are crucial for accelerating progress.
