Health professionals in South Sudan have expressed deep concern over the country’s high maternal mortality rate, one of the highest in the world. Hon. Majur Babur, Chairperson of the Special Committee on South Sudan Population and Development, highlighted the urgency of addressing maternal deaths.
“According to recent World Health Organization reports, South Sudan is losing its women every day due to maternal complications,” Majur said. He called on stakeholders to take decisive action to reduce the high rate of maternal deaths. “If we do nothing, what future do we expect? This is why we are here today, to find solutions to this challenge that we are facing.”
Majur stressed the importance of population quality over quantity, emphasizing that a well-educated and healthy population is essential for the country’s development. “Population is no longer just about numbers; it’s about quality—people who can contribute effectively to society. That’s the population we must aim for,” he added.
He also underscored the need for continuous training and capacity building in the digital age, pointing out that knowledge is critical for improving service delivery in health and other sectors.
Population Dynamics and Policy
Suzy Albert Yanga, Director General of Aid Coordination at the Ministry of Finance and Planning, emphasized the significance of population dynamics in shaping policies that address South Sudan’s socioeconomic and environmental challenges.
“The reason we are gathered here is to examine how population factors affect our communities’ well-being and to plan for better service delivery,” Yanga said.
She further explained that understanding demographic factors—such as population growth, migration patterns, and age distribution—was crucial for effective national planning and development outcomes.
Importance of Population Data
Speaking on behalf of the UNFPA Mission to South Sudan, Dr. Kidan Abraha, Program Advisor at UNFPA, highlighted the importance of using population data in planning.
“We are seeing significant progress in the country’s population dynamics, such as migration, age, and sex distribution, all of which are key to development efforts,” Dr. Abraha noted.
He called on planners and policymakers to incorporate population data into their strategies to ensure more effective decision-making and resource allocation.
The four-day training, organized by the Ministry of Finance and Planning with support from UNFPA South Sudan, aims to integrate population issues into national and sub-national planning across sectors.
Maternal Mortality in South Sudan
South Sudan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with 1,150 deaths per 100,000 live births, placing it just above Chad. Unlike many other countries, this rate has been increasing in recent years.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced ongoing crises, including widespread food insecurity, conflict, and severe gender inequality, all of which contribute to the nation’s staggering maternal mortality rate.
The lack of adequate healthcare services, high levels of internal displacement, and limited access to maternal care make South Sudan one of the most dangerous places in the world for an expecting mother. Áine Fay, former Country Director for Concern Worldwide in South Sudan, described the situation starkly
“This is a country where simply being a woman demands heroics.” As the nation grapples with these challenges, initiatives like population integration training offer a glimmer of hope, aiming to address the root causes of poor health outcomes and build a more resilient and healthy society.
