A senior South Sudanese health official has urged urgent reforms in the country’s maternal healthcare system, warning that childbirth has become a life-threatening ordeal for thousands of women due to the prevalence of untreated obstetric fistula cases.
Dr. Janet Michael, Director General for Midwives and Nurses at the Ministry of Health, made these remarks on Friday during an event in Juba aimed at renewing South Sudan’s commitment to eliminating obstetric fistula by 2030.
“Childbirth should not be a punishment for South Sudanese women,” Dr. Michael stated. “Many still give birth without skilled attendants, while others are denied care due to harmful beliefs or lack of transportation. Some arrive too late, often with dead babies and severe injuries.”
Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without timely medical intervention. It often leaves affected women incontinent, leading to lifelong physical and emotional trauma, as well as social rejection.
According to the Ministry of Health, more than 6,000 women in South Sudan currently live with untreated fistula, and an estimated 50,000 cases across the country require surgical repair.
The call to action was made during a gathering of health officials, midwives, and development partners under the theme “Her Health, Her Life – Setting a Future Without Fistula.” Speakers emphasized that fistula is both preventable and treatable, but progress remains slow due to limited access to skilled birth attendants and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Dr. Anthony Lupia, Director of Juba Teaching Hospital, highlighted that the issue reflects broader systemic failures.
“Fistula shows us that something is wrong—not just in the health system, but in society. Even if we train health workers, if women cannot reach them, we are failing,” he explained.
He also pointed out that conflict, weak infrastructure, and the lack of emergency transportation further isolate women from critical maternal care.
Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Yusuf Deng stressed that preventing fistula should take precedence over treating it.
“We must end child marriage, increase access to skilled care, and educate communities,” he said. “This is not just a health issue, it’s a social justice issue.”
International partners echoed the urgency of action. Speaking on behalf of the Norwegian Ambassador, Joyce Kaku announced that Norway will allocate funds specifically for fistula programs in 2025 through its partnership with UNFPA.
“Eradicating fistula is not just about surgery. It’s about protecting women’s right to safe childbirth, dignity, and a life free from pain and shame,” Kaku remarked.
As South Sudan continues to grapple with maternal health challenges, Friday’s event served as a rallying call for action—emphasizing that ending obstetric fistula by 2030 is achievable with strong political will, investment, and community involvement.
“We can end this suffering,” Dr. Michael asserted. “But only if we act, together.”
