The government will send some 70 students to East Africa to train in midwifery in an attempt to lower maternal mortality rates in South Sudan.
Acting health undersecretary Samson Baba said today that 23 female students will be sent to Uganda while 45 male students will go to Kenya.Dr. Baba said he expects cultural norms to allow male midwives to operate in South Sudan since male doctors are already working in the field of female health reproduction.
Dr. Baba confirmed that the number of qualified South Sudanese midwives is currently very low, making it difficult for mothers to access qualified personnel while giving birth.
He added that South Sudan is too big, the population too scattered and bad roads, landmines and heavy rains make health centres very difficult to access.
Dr. Baba made these comments during a review workshop for 18 International UN volunteer midwives posted all over South Sudan to tackle maternal mortality.
The midwives are supported by UNFPA and funded by the Australian government. The national health ministry implements the programme.