UNFPA improving Maternal health in South Sudan

The United Nations Population Fund – UNFPA, has enhanced its midwifery education program, designed to increase the number of women attended to by qualified health personnel particularly midwives in South Sudan.

“Midwives are essential part in South Sudan’s fight against maternal and new born mortality and morbidity,” said Ms. Veronica Njikho, UNFPA Gender Specialist for the Strengthening Midwifery Services Project.

According to Juba College of Nursing and Midwifery, South Sudan’s maternal mortality remains the highest in the world – 2,054 per 100,000 live births. This figure represents a 1 in 7 chance of a woman dying during her lifetime from pregnancy related causes.

Ms. Veronica Njikho, UNFPA Gender Specialist for the Strengthening Midwifery Services Project, explains what UNFPA is doing to fill the gap.