Belize has taken significant steps to strengthen its healthcare system’s response to sepsis through a National Workshop on Sepsis Care Pathways Implementation, held in April 2026. The initiative was supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) as part of broader regional efforts to improve sepsis management and address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Sepsis remains a major cause of preventable deaths across the Americas, making early recognition, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment essential public health priorities.
During the workshop, healthcare professionals and policymakers examined the critical relationship between antimicrobial stewardship and sepsis care. PAHO’s Chief of the AMR Special Program, Dr. Pilar Ramón-Pardo, emphasized that responsible antimicrobial use complements rather than hinders life-saving sepsis treatment. She highlighted the importance of administering appropriate initial therapies quickly, optimizing treatment duration, implementing timely de-escalation strategies, and using biomarkers to support clinical decision-making while responding to increasing antimicrobial resistance trends.
The two-day event brought together multidisciplinary teams to evaluate existing sepsis care pathways and identify opportunities for improvement. Participants used internationally recognized assessment tools, including the World Health Organization’s Core Clinical Care Readiness Tool and SCCM’s framework for improving sepsis care in resource-limited settings. Through collaborative discussions, attendees identified system-level gaps and developed practical actions to strengthen healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
A major focus of the workshop was integrating antimicrobial stewardship practices into every stage of sepsis management. Participants recognized that improving antibiotic use is essential not only for treating sepsis effectively but also for preventing the spread of resistant infections. This integrated approach aims to enhance patient care while preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments for future generations.
The initiative aligns with the recently endorsed regional Strategy and Action Plan to Reduce the Burden of Sepsis (2025–2029), which promotes comprehensive and systems-based approaches to reducing sepsis-related mortality. PAHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Belize and other Caribbean nations as they continue strengthening sepsis care services, improving antimicrobial use practices, and implementing national strategies designed to reduce the burden of sepsis across the region.
