South Sudan faces stiff challenges in dealing with maternal mortality

South Sudan faces stiff challenges in dealing with maternal mortality.

South Sudan is said to have one of the highest maternal mortality rate, estimated at 2054 per 100,000 live births, that’s according to the United Nations.

One of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

Dr. Suzi Francis Paul, a medical officer with the WHO cites insecurity, lack of skilled birth attendants, lack of information and cultural practices such as child marriage as some of the challenges contributing to high maternal rates.

Dr Suzi says a survey is currently underway to determine actual maternal mortality rates in South Sudan.