Several pregnant women from various counties in Northern Bahr el Ghazal have complained that they must walk long distances to reach the maternity department of the hospital in Aweil, the state capital.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj earlier this week, Atong Chuok said: “We came to Aweil hospital from Konyong in Aweil East County to look for some medicines and mosquito nets for our health.”

Another woman, Achia Mathiang said she travelled from Rumagut, which is very far from Aweil, to get medicines at the hospital. She asked the state government to cooperate with NGOs and establish maternity clinics in various counties so that pregnant women do not have to travel to Aweil.

“I came from area called Dellalah,” said Akilo Deng. “I paid SSP15 to come to the hospital, but we got nothing because there are no medicines or mosquito nets to be given. Before they were available but now they told me I should buy medicines if I have money.”

Dr Dut Chuor, supervisor of the maternity section of the hospital, confirmed the claims of the women. “We have some malaria medications but some of the pregnant women are malnourished, so they need mosquito nets. After running tests I found they are very weak – most of them weight just 50 kg – so they cannot deliver their babies. Also, they have no money to buy medicines or to help themselves,” Chuor stated.

The doctor noted that the hospital receives more than 200 pregnant women each day, “which is too much for the staff to manage.”

Chuor is asking the state government and midwife organisations to help pregnant mothers and establish another hospital for them in the state.

Photo: Pregnant women in line at Aweil hospital