South Sudan
High maternal mortality rates in South Sudan
Following two devastating civil wars, the health care system in Southern Sudan was rendered virtually non-existent, leading to some of the most appalling health and development statistics in the world. Less than half of all births are attended by a skilled provider. In Western Equatoria State, 2,327 women die out of 100,000 live births – the highest maternal death rate in the world.
Our work in South Sudan
Medical Teams International will begin a partnership with the Christian Health Association of Sudan (CHAS) and the Nzara Diocese of the Episcopal Church to implement a community based maternal health improvement project. The project seeks to address high maternal mortality rates. These mortality rates are due to lack of knowledge about safe prenatal care and birthing practices; inability to reach health care services and; inadequate facilities, personnel, and equipment. Medical Teams International will begin funding the first of the three years Community Based Maternal Health Project and will provide technical assistance in maternal child health best practices.
Our partner in South Sudan
The Christian Health Association of Sudan is the largest local community based network with a membership that includes church-based health institutions, health facilities and health programs that have been providing over 40% of health care services in Southern Sudan during the war over the past 10 years.
South Sudan facts
In Western Equatoria State, the following situation exists:
- 214 children die out of every 1000 live births
- 2,327 women die out of every 100,000 live births
- South Sudan experienced devastating civil wars from 1955-1972 and from 1983-2005
- In 1986 we sent our first medical team to Sudan in response to devastating famine in the area.
- Since 2004 we’ve sent 13 emergency response teams to West Darfur to work alongside a consortium of NGOs working in the area
- We also operated a multi-faceted intervention in West Darfur that focuses on health, hygiene, water and sanitation, food security/livelihood issues and nutrition.
- In 2007 we sent two medical teams to Tonj, South Sudan to assist our partner, MedAir, with their meningitis vaccination campaign.
- Today: Medical Teams International implements a community based maternal health improvement project in Nzara County of Southern Sudan.
Please donate or volunteer to help save lives in South Sudan.