Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of severe infections that is often detected too late in resource-poor regions such as Ethiopia. The ISAFE project (“Improving Sepsis Diagnosis in Vulnerable Populations in Two Ethiopian University Hospitals”) is a collaboration between University Hospital Düsseldorf and the Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine in Asella, and the university hospitals in Asella and Jimma. The project, which was approved in June 2025, will begin operational implementation in March 2026 after an establishment phase.

The aim of the project is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in particularly vulnerable patient groups, especially children under five and people with advanced HIV disease. At its core is the introduction of innovative nanopore-based next-generation sequencing technology that can quickly and comprehensively identify pathogens directly from blood samples without prior culture.

At the same time, infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are being implemented in intensive care units, especially in neonatal intensive care units, e.g., training, hygiene standards, and fixed hand sanitizer dispensers. In addition, antibiotic stewardship teams are being established to promote the targeted use of antibiotics and prevent resistance.

Through training courses, workshops, and exchanges between Ethiopian and German partners, the project aims to have a lasting impact and serve as a model for other countries.