Ngai sub county faces maternal health crisis as more women deliver at home

7 December 2024, 6:27 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

In Ngai sub county, a growing number of expectant mothers are being forced to deliver at home due to the long distance and poor road conditions that make reaching the local health centre nearly impossible. Ngai Health Centre III is the only healthcare facility in the entire sub county, enrolling over 100 expectant mothers each month.

However, the facility only manages to deliver between 70 to 80 babies, meaning that at least 15% of women are delivering outside the healthcare system.

Jimmy Dolo Anywar, the Local Council III Chairperson of Ngai Sub County, confirmed that maternal attendance has dropped significantly, particularly during delivery. He explained that mothers living in remote areas, such as Acut parish, face long journeys to the health centre.

“The distance is just too far for many, and when the roads are bad, it makes things worse,” Anywar said.

He added that the situation is especially dire for women from Omach parish, where the main road to the health centre is often impassable.

To address this issue, Anywar revealed that the local government has formally requested the establishment of a new health facility in Acut parish, to be called Aryek Health Centre. This facility would bring essential services closer to the people and reduce the burden on Ngai Health Centre III.

Dr. Mark Ocude, the in-charge at Ngai Health Centre III, confirmed the challenges, noting that the Ministry of Health recommends a maximum 5 km distance to a health facility for expectant mothers. He also mentioned that the closure of KWAM, a charity organisation that once helped with transport and delivery kits, has worsened the situation.

With a population of over 35,000 across six parishes, Ngai Health Centre III is struggling to keep up with the demand. Local leaders are calling on the Oyam District Local Government to take immediate action and approve the establishment of new health centres in Acut and Omach to ensure safer deliveries for all mothers.