Hundreds of women face deteriorating maternal health in Kurmuk in Sudan’s Blue Nile state due to lack of access to primary care, a local health official said.

Dr Hassan Juma Sadiq, a doctor in the area which is controlled by SPLM-N rebels, told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday there are increasing cases of maternal mortality owing to poor primary health care.

“Three women died after giving birth at Ameririo, Bildusho and Yabus late June,” he said.  “The major cause of deaths was malnutrition and obstetrical complications due to poor primary healthcare.”

Dr Juma said maternal care is the most challenging health issue facing families in the region, adding that areas south of Kurmuk are also experiencing subpar health conditions.

Eye infections and allergies

Dr Juma said eye infections and allergies have been recorded among citizens living in the SPLA-N held territories as well.

He reported incidences of skin allergies and at least eighteen eye infections including one ten year old child in villages east of Yabus.

File photo: pregnany mothers wait at a hospital in South Sudan.

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