Are you aware of the Maternal Health Struggles of South Sudan?
South Sudan, the youngest country in the world, has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the maternal mortality ratio in South Sudan is 1,150 deaths per 100,000 live births, which means that one in every 50 women is at risk of dying from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications.
This is a critical issue that needs urgent attention from policymakers, healthcare providers, and the international community.
Maternal Health Challenges In South Sudan
The maternal health situation in South Sudan is complicated by various factors. The country has one of the weakest healthcare systems globally, with a severe shortage of trained healthcare workers, equipment, and essential drugs. This has resulted in poor-quality maternal health services, inadequate access to healthcare facilities, and low utilization of maternal health services.
Furthermore, cultural practices, such as early marriage, female genital mutilation, and traditional birth attendants, have contributed to the high maternal mortality rate. These practices often lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, such as obstructed labor, postpartum hemorrhage, and infections.
Additionally, South Sudan has faced prolonged conflict and instability since its independence in 2011, resulting in the displacement of millions of people and the destruction of essential infrastructure, including health facilities. The ongoing conflict has also made it difficult for healthcare providers to access remote areas where maternal health services are desperately needed.
Current Solutions For Maternal Health Crisis In South Sudan
Despite the challenges, there are efforts to improve maternal health in South Sudan. The government of South Sudan has made commitments to improve maternal health through its National Health Policy and Strategic Plan.
The policy aims to improve the availability, accessibility, and quality of maternal health services by strengthening the healthcare system, providing training for healthcare workers, and increasing the availability of essential drugs and equipment.
Moreover, various international organizations, such as The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and local organizations such as Southern Sudan Healthcare Organization (SSHCO) are providing support to the National Ministry of Health (MOH) to improve maternal health in South Sudan.
International Organizations, local organizations, and the National Ministry of Health are working to increase access to maternal health services, provide training for healthcare workers, and raise awareness about maternal health issues among communities across the 10 states of South Sudan.
In addition, the Boma Health Initiative (BHI), such as training Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), has been successful in reducing maternal mortality rates in some parts of rural communities in South Sudan. By providing training and support to TBAs in South Sudan, they can recognize complications early and refer women to healthcare facilities, reducing the risk of maternal death.
Southern Sudan Healthcare Organization (SSHCO)
Southern Sudan Healthcare Organization’s (SSHCO) mission is “Bringing Health and Hope to Where it is Lost”. SSHCO was one of the first local organizations to respond to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mangalla, Central Equatoria State (CES), South Sudan when floods displaced over 40,000 from Jonglei State in South Sudan.
Since 2012 SSHCO has worked to provide medical services in Maar, Jonglei State, South Sudan. SSHCO has a holistic approach with its six pillars-health, education, food security, economic security, community, and emergency to address the development and humanitarian challenges in South Sudan.
Conclusion
Maternal health in South Sudan remains a significant challenge, but progress is being made. The National Ministry of Health, international organizations, and local organizations are working to improve the healthcare system, and community-based interventions are showing promising results.
However, sustained efforts are needed to address the underlying factors contributing to high maternal mortality rates, such as cultural practices, conflict, and lack of coordination of healthcare services. By working together, we can ensure that every woman in South Sudan has access to quality maternal health services and can give birth safely.
About the Author: Jacob Atem, Ph.D. MPH is Public Health Practitioner and a refugee advocate from South Sudan. In 2008, Dr. Atem Co-founded the Southern Sudan Healthcare Organization (SSHCO). Dr. Atem has been working in humanitarian settings for 15 years.
Excellent information, capturing the Problem of Maternal health in South Sudan.
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