March 10, 2021 Last year the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data was rolled out. Initial glitches notwithstanding, data was collected across half the states and several important aspects of household profiles were comprehensively presented, including marriage and fertility, family planning services, maternal and child health, delivery care, child immunisation, treatment of childhood diseases, nutrition and feeding practices, anaemia, diabetes , hypertension and cancer examination. It reflects the state of health of the nation and highlights the many maternal and child health interventions undertaken across states. However I was surprised to see very little research on the state of maternal and neonatal sepsis in India. Sepsis rates have an overall impact on maternal and neonatal mortality, and combating it will save lives and directly contribute to the achievement of SDG 3 (Sustainable Development Goals). But the true burden of maternal and neonatal sepsis is unknown, owing to lack of accurate data. A complete overhaul is needed to identify and address the multidimensional aspects of sepsis in maternal and child health.