Following an almost unanimous vote for independence in a referendum earlier this year, the Republic of South Sudan is Africa's newest state. It has great potential, natural resources and support from the international community.
Major health challenges
- South Sudan has the highest maternal death rate in the world. This is caused by a severe lack of trained midwives, inadequate health facilities and the high rate of teenage pregnancy.
- There are very few government funds for health. The few hospitals and clinics that do exist are unevenly distributed – with rural areas more poorly served than urban ones.
- Most health care facilities were destroyed during the civil war and there are few qualified health workers, leaving 11 million people with little or no medical care.
Hear audio files on AMREF's work training midwives and clinical officers.
Click here to view a video of AMREF's work training health workers in the then Southern Sudan
AMREF’s health priorities in South Sudan include:
- Working with the Ministry of Health to train doctors, clinical officers, midwives, laboratory technicians and pharmacists.
- Providing safe water and sanitation to reduce waterborne diseases in Terekeka
Read AMREF Director General's statement about the criticial health priorities now facing the Republic of South Sudan
