An official working with South Sudan Evangelical Mission in Western Equatoria State has decried the high rate of maternal deaths in South Sudan.
Samuel Stanley expressed the concern as he spoke on behalf of participants on a ten-day workshop on integrated adolescent sexual reproductive health, maternal health and HIV Aids Friday in Rumbek, Good News Radio reported.Mr Stanley expressed concern that maternal deaths are robbing the country of her mothers.
He called on the Government and development partners in the health sector to support participants at the workshop to deal with the challenge of maternal deaths in their respective states.
Public health specialist and consultant with CHASS, the Christian Health Association of South Sudan, Muzige Bruhan, said a 2006 household survey places South Sudan among nations with the worst maternal indicators in the world.
Mr Bruhan added that the survey shows that every year the country loses over 28,000 mothers, an average of nearly 80 maternal deaths every day as a result of pregnancy and childbirth related complications.
He said the situation is compounded by adolescent pregnancies, early marriage and abortion.
Mr Bruhan advocated for young girls to be sensitized about risks of early pregnancies.
Acting Director General of Lakes State Ministry of Health Michael Mading observed that insecurity contributes to maternal deaths the region.
Dr Mading noted that majority of women who experience labour pains at night end up delivering at home.
He said mothers develop complications such as fistula.
Dr Mading added that the process to addressing the challenge of maternal deaths may take long because of cultural practices and attitudes, particularly in Lakes State.
Twenty two participants from Lakes, Western, Eastern and Central Equatoria states attended the ten-day workshop organized by CHASS.