Maternal Mortality Numbers Climb
Unity State health officials reported a growing tally of women dying in childbirth during the August 2025 quarterly review meeting.
County Health Director Gai Patai said delays in reaching hospitals and missing antenatal care remain key drivers.
Teenage Pregnancies Fuel Complications
Patai observed an alarming surge in pregnancies among girls whose bodies are still developing, raising rates of fistula and other injuries.
“Many teenagers become pregnant before their bodies are ready, leading to avoidable tragedy,” he told colleagues.
Oil Fields Under Environmental Scrutiny
Officials suspect oil exploration may contribute to deformities seen in newborns, though they call for deeper scientific investigation.
Health authorities are urging stronger environmental monitoring to clarify any link between drilling activities and maternal or neonatal outcomes.
Frontline Health Workers Struggle
Flooded roads, insecurity, and budget shortfalls hinder midwives from reaching remote villages, leaving expectant mothers without essential supplements.
New supplies dispatched to Bentiu State Hospital often run out within three months due to an influx of returnees from Sudan, Patai noted.
Despite constraints, two women recently underwent successful fistula repair surgeries, illustrating the life-changing impact of timely care.
Calls for Coordinated Investment
Unity State has begun quarterly midwife trainings and is partnering with Health Link South Sudan, Cordaid, UNFPA, and KOICA to expand services.
Experts now push for sustained funding, better road infrastructure, and school-based reproductive health education to make safe motherhood universal.