August 2nd 2018 (Nyamilepedia) – The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) said in a statement released this week that 70 percent of deaths in South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, are caused by curable diseases.
The ICRC deputy health coordinator for South Sudan, Divin Barutwanayo, mentioned diseases such as Malaria, respiratory tract infections and diarrhea as the main cause of death in the country marred in a bloody civil war since December 2018.
“Seventy percent of deaths in South Sudan are caused by curable diseases such as malaria, respiratory tract infections and diarrhea,” Barutwanayo said.
It further said the years spent by South Sudan in its fights against the north and the descendant into civil war in December 2018 has affected the development of the country saying the country has one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates in the world.
“The country also has one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates in the world. Decades of armed conflict that ended with the creation of the world’s youngest nation in 2011 and the conflict that erupted two years after independence, have significantly affected the development of the country,” the organization said.
“Organizations supporting health services face difficulties in terms of access, security, and logistical challenges, to mention a few problems, aggravated by the armed conflict.” explains Barutwanayo.
It further said that the ICRC today works in primary health care supporting 13 clinics in South Sudan – after being forced to close three clinics in June as a consequence of armed clashes, leaving people in the surrounding area without medical services. With its Primary Health Care program, ICRC seeks to reach people who could die due to common and treatable diseases. The ICRC supplies medicines and equipment and renovates medical facilities where needed.
