Admin
by Emmanuel Garjiek
The Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of South Sudan (AGOSS) marked Mother’s Day at Juba Teaching Hospital by distributing hygiene kits to new mothers and urging greater use of maternal health services.
South Sudan continues to face some of the region’s highest maternal mortality rates, with low family planning uptake and limited access to skilled care. Health officials used the event to encourage antenatal visits, facility-based deliveries, and postnatal follow-ups—areas where utilization remains low.
AGOSS president Dr. Idyoro Ojukwu noted that many women still give birth at home without trained attendants, increasing risks of complications. Clinicians also warned that few mothers return for postnatal care, often seeking help only when problems arise.
Barriers such as distance, transport costs, insecurity, and negative perceptions of hospital treatment further limit access. Officials highlighted concerns about “hospital shopping,” where women move between facilities to avoid caesarean sections, sometimes with fatal consequences.
Despite challenges, Juba Teaching Hospital has seen improvements, including more specialist staff. During the event, mothers received hygiene kits and health education, with organizers stressing that such initiatives can build trust in health facilities.
Community voices reinforced the message: “It is dangerous to give birth outside,” said Somaya Jeanifer, a 23‑year‑old mother who delivered at the hospital.
AGOSS emphasized that improving maternal health requires coordinated action across government, health workers, and communities, declaring: “Motherhood should never come at the cost of a woman’s life.
