A nutritionist screening the nutrition status of babies under five years at the Nyong Health Facility in Torit, Imotong State in South Sudan. By Lynette Kamau, Policy and Communications Officer, APHRC At about 8.30 am on December 5, 2017, we arrived in Torit town, Imotong State in South Sudan. It was my maiden trip to South Sudan. We made our way to Nyong health facility which was recently renovated so as to provide antenatal, delivery and nutrition services to the women and children in the area. As we drove to the health facility, the radio presenter blurted out to everyone’s…

By Lynette Kamau. During times of crisis, many women are unable to access maternal health services due to insecurity. Some are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and are not able to access a health facility. For many of them, this lack of access to health facilities or any form of assistance, is a matter of life and death for them and their children. The conflict and fragility of South Sudan has led to the deaths of many women from preventable pregnancy and delivery complications. Even though the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births has reduced…