UPDATE NANCY McGaughey

Finding Hope in the Midst of Despair

Internal conflict in South Sudan has caused hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes in fear. Some have settled around other villages, others saught refuge in POC s (protection of civillian sites set up by UN). Wherever they are, they are living in less than ideal circumstances – crowded conditions, makeshift housing further complicated by heavy rains this year. Not surprising that it has been estimated over 50% of the population is clinically depressed. And that estimation was from before the conflict and before the rainy season!

Malakal POC

To help meet increased demands for health services, IMA World Health received a grant from OFDA (disaster assistance branch of USAID) to set up mobile clinics in areas where large numbers of IDPs (internally displaced people) had congregated. Mobile tent clinics were established in 7 sites in Jonglei and Upper Nile State to meet their needs. Included in this was prenatal care for pregnant women. Included in the services they provide is the provision of misoprostol,

a medicine to prevent

Children in Ogod

postpartum hemorrhage. South Sudan has the highest maternal mortality in the world – 2054 deaths per 100,000 children born ( 1 death for every 50 children born) and that was before the conflict last year. In comparison, in the USA the rate is 21 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. This medicine literally saves the lives of women giving birth in South Sudan by reducing the bleeding after birth.

It is exciting to hear what recipients of this medicine have to say about it: Blood Pressure check in Wau Shilluk

“My first wife died from heavy bleeding after the birth of our child. I was worried when this wife was about to deliver. Thank God that with this medicine there was very little bleeding.”

“I have had 6 babies and always had heavy bleeding. After taking the medicine given me at the clinic, there was almost no bleeding. I want this medicine when having babies in the future.”

“I was bleeding a lot after having my baby. I thought I was going to die. Someone went to the clinic nearby and the midwife came with some medicine. It stopped the bleeding.”

The women providing this care are also IDPs. They are away from their homes, living in similar conditions to those they are caring for. During the refresher training, one morning we had a devotion on Esther. At the close of the training, one of the women said, “Who knows but what God has brought us to this place at this time to save the lives of women in our communities.” God gives hope even in the darkest of times!

Misoprostol Recipients:

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