By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Sepsis survivor calls for action
A Nigerian sepsis survivor, Joyce Oluwole, has called on the Federal Government to prioritize addressing sepsis, a deadly condition that claims over 11 million lives annually. Sepsis, also known as septicemia or blood poisoning, occurs when the body’s immune system has an extreme response to an infection, leading to organ dysfunction, shock, and death.
Speaking in Lagos at the launch of her book titled “My Miraculous Survival After Sepsis,” the 71-year-old UK-based survivor recounted her harrowing experience with the condition. She suffered septic shock, organ failure, stroke, and multiple limb amputations. Oluwole’s book aims to raise awareness about sepsis, often misdiagnosed or overlooked, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Through her advocacy, including public talks and speeches, she hopes to encourage earlier diagnosis, improve treatment options, and save live.
Oluwole described how she remained in a coma for seven agonizing weeks while doctors struggled to identify her ailment. Upon awakening, she faced the harsh reality of amputations. “Sepsis is a matter of political interest. On April 1, 2015, I felt unwell and went to the hospital. Despite undergoing surgery, they didn’t discover sepsis until three weeks into my coma. I had it three times and was fortunate to be in the hospital for nine months,” she share
She emphasized the urgency of treating sepsis within 45 minutes to reduce the risk of death. “I continued daily blood tests even after discharge, and a year later, they found meningococcal bacteria, responsible for meningitis,” she explained. Oluwole hopes to translate her book into Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo to spread awareness and prevent others from experiencing her ordeal.
She urged the public to be vigilant and consider sepsis when other illnesses don’t respond to treatment. Oluwole noted that General Hospitals might be better equipped to diagnose sepsis than private hospitals due to their resources and staff. “The government must ensure sepsis diagnosis is readily available. People are dying from sepsis daily, and this can be avoided,” she asserted.
Sepsis Survivor Calls for Action