Webinar: Strategies for the Prevention, Detection, and Management of Neonatal Sepsis in the Context of Antimicrobial Resistance

Neonatal sepsis remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among newborns worldwide. Although neonatal sepsis can be prevented through simple, cost-effective interventions such as infection prevention and control measures, hand hygiene, and safe medication administration practices, delayed diagnosis and inadequate management—often compounded by antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—continue to contribute unacceptably to adverse outcomes, including death and severe neurological sequelae.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical global public health threat, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations, including newborns, particularly preterm infants. Suboptimal hygiene conditions in health facilities, inconsistent implementation of infection prevention and control practices, and the limited availability of effective antimicrobial agents against resistant healthcare-associated pathogens contribute to the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant infections. These infections are often extremely difficult to treat and may progress to sepsis, with case fatality rates exceeding 50%.

This webinar, organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has been designed to provide health professionals across Latin America and the Caribbean with an updated overview of neonatal sepsis prevention and management. Particular emphasis will be placed on infection prevention and control, effective surveillance, the safe and optimized use of antimicrobials, safe newborn feeding practices, and comprehensive response strategies.

• Update knowledge on the epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention practices related to neonatal sepsis.

• Strengthen surveillance and active monitoring of neonatal sepsis through effective information systems.

• Promote infection prevention and control as a key intervention in neonatal care units.

• Enhance capacity in the safe preparation and administration of medications.

• Optimize the rational use of antimicrobials according to local epidemiological contexts.

• Highlight the role of safe feeding practices in preventing infections among newborns.

• Discuss regional strategies to reduce the burden of neonatal sepsis.

• Specialists in neonatology, pediatrics, and pediatric infectious diseases.

• Nursing and midwifery professionals specializing in neonatal care.

• Infection prevention and control specialists.

• Pharmacists and antimicrobial resistance specialists.

• Health managers, administrators, and decision-makers.

• Faculty members and students from schools of medicine, nursing, and public health.