Authorities in Western Equatoria State have confirmed the death of a pregnant woman during labor in Kediba, Mundri East County, citing the absence of an ambulance and poor road conditions as contributing factors.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, the State Minister for Roads and Bridges, Ann Richard Tuna, expressed deep regret over the incident, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.
“The woman was being rushed to Lui Hospital, but due to the terrible road conditions, her relatives had to use a motorcycle. She and the baby died before reaching the hospital,” Tuna explained.
She warned that the same road had claimed the lives of 30 pregnant women last year alone and urged immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
State Health Minister James Abdallah Arona confirmed that the woman had initially been admitted to Kediba Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) before being referred to Lui Hospital. “She was transported on a motorcycle due to the lack of an ambulance but died en route,” Arona said.
He added that Kediba PHCC urgently requires medical equipment, vaccines, and doctors. He also revealed plans to upgrade the facility to a county hospital, pending approval from Juba.
Arona further disclosed that over five people have died this year in Mundri East under similar circumstances. He appealed to health partners for ambulances, medicines, and essential supplies.
Local leaders echoed these concerns, with community member Silvano Night lamenting the deteriorating health services.
“We recently lost a pregnant woman and a 60-year-old due to inadequate care. The roads are terrible, and there are no proper medications or surgical services,” he said, calling for immediate government and humanitarian intervention.
South Sudan faces a dire maternal health situation with one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, exacerbated by weak healthcare systems and conflicts.