Sepsis is a common condition that is associated with unacceptably high mortality and, for many of those who survive,rnlong-term morbidity. Increased awareness of the condition resulting from ongoing campaigns and the evidence arisingrnfrom research in the past 10 years have increased understanding of this problem among clinicians and lay people, andrnhave led to improved outcomes. The World Health Assembly and WHO made sepsis a global health priority in 2017 andrnhave adopted a resolution to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and management of sepsis. In 2016, a new definition ofrnsepsis (Sepsis-3) was developed. Sepsis is now defined as infection with organ dysfunction. This definition codifiesrnorgan dysfunction using the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. Ongoing research aims to improve definitionrnof patient populations to allow for individualised management strategies matched to a patient?? molecular andrnbiochemical profile. The search continues for improved diagnostic techniques that can facilitate this aim, and for arnpharmacological agent that can improve outcomes by modifying the disease process. While waiting for this goal to bernachieved, improved basic care driven by education and quality-improvement programmes offers the best hope ofrnincreasing favourable outcomes