A Healthier Future for South Sudan's Families

With one in every 50 live births resulting in the death of the mother, South Sudan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. The health system in the country, which relies heavily on international aid, faces staffing shortages. Vulnerable groups—including women, children, older adults and people with disabilities—face a high risk of illness and disease due to limited access to healthcare.

To improve lives in this fragile environment, International Medical Corps provides services in primary health clinics throughout the country, focusing on improving women’s and children’s health.

During her third pregnancy, our team of community health workers diagnosed one beneficiary with malaria, and saw that she was malnourished. We provided treatment for malaria and anemia, and enrolled her in a feeding program. After recovering, she safely delivered her baby.

To support long-term maternal health programs, International Medical Corps also operates midwifery schools, so that local community members can gain the skills needed to improve mortality rates while improving earning potential.

Since 2008, International Medical Corps (IMC) has co-managed and supported three midwifery schools in South Sudan: Juba College of Nursing and Midwifery (JCONAM), Kajo Keji Health Sciences Institute (KKHSI) and Wau Health Sciences Institute (WHSI). The schools offer a 3-year midwifery diploma program that includes research, management, and leadership training. The diploma curriculum meets the standards on essential competencies established by the International Confederation of Midwives and includes basic emergency obstetric and newborn care.