The United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA in South Sudan has acknowledged the contribution of midwives who provide safe access to maternal and childcare and social workers who advocate against gender-based violence.
On the World Humanitarian Day, UNFPA said in a press release that the continuing crisis in South Sudan has affected about 7 million people, out of which are an estimated 280,000 pregnant women, with 42,000 of them facing pregnancy and childbirth complications.
With the highest maternal mortality rates in the world and lack of access to maternal health care due to the conflict, UNFPA says it is proud of women humanitarians who provide these services in South Sudan.
“UNFPA is proud to be associated with the midwives of South Sudan, the foot soldiers, who are at the forefront of the humanitarian response ensuring that women continue to have access to maternal and childcare, including safe births, family planning, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, amidst the crisis. UNFPA also salutes social workers who continue to prevent and respond to gender-based by providing medical, psychosocial, and outreach services,” the statement reads in part.
UNFPA’s Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem said in crises, women humanitarians are usually in the frontline, risking their own lives to save others.
“We honour midwives who assist women in childbirth day and night in dangerous conditions. We honour women from communities and civil society who step up to stop gender-based violence, counsel survivors and ensure they get the services they need. We honour women leaders who oversee preparedness, response, and recovery,” she said.
Dr. Kanem also called on all governments to join a summit in Nairobi in November to mark 25 years of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) to garner political and financial support for women and girls affected by crises.