High levels of insecurity after South Sudan slipped into civil war in 2013 and escalating fighting since last year have made conditions even more challenging in the impoverished country. South Sudan has about 1,700 deaths per 100,000 live births, above the regional average for sub-Saharan Africa of just under 1,000, according to World Bank data. Still, less than 10 per cent of women giving birth in South Sudan receive the help they need to give birth safely, according to UNFPA. Midwives can provide the majority of the services needed for newborns and pregnant women, and women cared for by midwives are less likely to have complicated births or go into labour early. Deng said more midwives are needed to be able reach pregnant women in remote areas, so they do not have to walk for hours to get looked after.

Source: The Star June 24, 2017 13:30 UTC