Health Crisis in South Sudan
South Sudan is a challenging place to raise a child. Limited access to healthcare services and vaccines, an extremely limited number of health care workers, and exposure to many communicable diseases through unsanitary water sources have led to a high child mortality rate of 78 deaths per 1,000 live births. Nearly 75% of all child deaths in South Sudan are due to preventable diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia.
The maternal mortality rate in South Sudan is also one of the highest in the world, with 789 deaths per 100,000 live births, and less than 8 percent of deliveries attended by skilled birth attendants.
A desperate need for maternal healthcare
Many women give birth on a dirt floor, and cut the umbilical cord with a stick.
South Sudan currently has just one physician per 65,574 individuals and one midwife per 39,088 individuals. GEMS Development Foundation has been working to change that through our medical school scholarship program, which has 5 South Sudanese medical students graduating this year.
Most of South Sudan’s population lives in rural areas, and more than half live further than one hour walking distance from a health facility. The rainy season can make travel to a healthcare facility even more treacherous. Currently, we are constructing a clinic in Majok Goi where healthcare will become more readily accessible for over 5,000 people. Through our partnership with the Ministry of Health and our integration in the Boma Health Initiative, the new clinic is slated to become a Primary Health Care Unit for Majok Goi.
With a building structure in place and a well installed for sanitation, the remaining clinic needs are being instituted in three phases. Phase I involves finishing physical construction, including adding screened windows with shutters, doors, flooring and exterior protection from flooding. Phase II will include installing solar panels and portable solar suitcases for solar-powered medical equipment, furniture, locked supply cabinets, lighting and fans. Phase III will provide medical and pharmaceutical supplies, training, staffing.
Help us make a difference.
Your donation will help GEMS Development Foundation to provide a better chance for a full, healthy life for the people of South Sudan.