South Darfur state has the highest maternal mortality rate in Sudan, the federal Ministry of Health reported. 46 women died while giving birth in 2015. “The government is not able to reduce the figures.â€
The federal Ministry of Health discussed the report on maternal mortality at birth in Sudan during a meeting in Nyala on Thursday. The maternal mortality rate is the annual number of female deaths per 100,000 live births from any cause related to pregnancy.
133 deaths were registered per 100,000 live births in Sudan in 2015, according to the report. In June, a health programme of the Ministry reported a maternal mortality rate of 216 deaths in the last year. This Reproductive Health programme also found that South Darfur state had the highest registered maternal mortality rate (334 deaths) of Sudan.
Speaking to Radio Dabanga, Taha Ahmed Bili said that all 46 women died in three of South Darfur's localities: Nyala, Ed El Fursan, and Kass. The head of the Ministry's registration office of maternal deaths acknowledged that it is unknown how many women died in the other localities.
'Maternal mortality is higher with women living in rural areas.'
Bili said that the efforts to reduce the maternal mortality rate in the country are not sufficient. “The mortality rate remains very high and the government is not able to reduce the number of deaths.â€
He said that there is also a high rate of the maternal deaths in the marginalised states of Darfur and in South Kordofan state. The residents lack good maternal health care, especially in the rural areas. Maternal mortality is higher with women living in rural areas and among poorer communities, according to the World Health Organization. Skilled care before, during, and after childbirth can save the lives of women and newborn babies.
In March 2014, the maternal death rates in Darfur rose in 2013 from 633 to 727 cases per 100,000 pregnancies, according to the Ministry.