Maternal and Child Health in South Sudan

The Republic of South Sudan continues to face considerablechallenges in meeting maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) care needs and improvinghealth outcomes. Ongoing instability and population displacement undermine scope fordevelopment, and damaged infrastructure, low coverage of health services, and limitedgovernment capacity and a human resource base have resulted in a fragmented healthsystem. Despite considerable attention, effort and support, the issues and challengesfacing South Sudan remain deep and sustained, and urban–rural disparities areconsiderable. There is a need to maintain investments in MNCH care and to supportdeveloping systems, institutions, and programs. This review of the literature offers acommentary and appraisal of the current MNCH situation in South Sudan. It explores thebarriers and challenges of promoting MNCH gains, and identifies priorities that willcontribute to addressing the Millennium Development Goals and the emerging healthpriorities for the post-2015 development agenda