At the national level, the IHU SEPSIS has a privileged relationship with the patient association France Sepsis Association, whose president, Jamila Hedjal, is a member of the Supervisory Board. At the European level, the IHU SEPSIS interacts with numerous patient associations through the Sepsis Stronger Together consortium.
Following the death of her 13-year-old son, Farès, from septic shock secondary to appendiceal peritonitis, Jamila Hedjal founded France Sepsis Association, the first patient association dedicated to sepsis in France. Backed by patients' families, healthcare professionals, and researchers, the association's core mission is to raise awareness of sepsis among all audiences (the general public, medical and paramedical staff, decision-makers, etc.) in order to improve care and reduce mortality. Through her association, Jamila participates in training sessions, meetings, and congresses both in France and worldwide, organizes numerous awareness and popular science events, and campaigns for the recognition of sepsis as a public health emergency.
Sepsis Stronger Together is a European consortium of patient associations created to reduce the impact of sepsis. It was founded during the first sepsis symposium entirely organized by patients, "Revealing the Burden of Sepsis," which took place on September 9, 2024, in Paris.
On this occasion, the consortium launched a call to action addressed to European decision-makers to implement a European plan against sepsis. This call was featured in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet in October 2024.
Conference 'Revealing the burden of sepsis' (2024, Paris)