Elizabeth Nyachiew, a 36-year-old midwife in South Sudan, was inspired to pursue midwifery after witnessing her neighbor die during childbirth when she was 16. Determined to make a difference in a country with high maternal mortality rates, Nyachiew faced numerous challenges throughout her journey to become a midwife.

Growing up in Leer in northern Unity State, Nyachiew encountered resistance from her family who did not believe girls should attend school. Despite this, she persevered and eventually enrolled in a midwifery course sponsored by aid groups. Facing difficulties including pregnancy during her studies, Nyachiew overcame obstacles to achieve her goal of becoming a midwife.

Nyachiew’s experiences reflect the harsh realities faced by many pregnant women in South Sudan, where lack of infrastructure and proper medical care contribute to high maternal mortality rates. Nyachiew herself had to walk for hours to seek medical assistance during a miscarriage and has witnessed the devastating impact of the civil war that plagued the country for years.

Although South Sudan has made strides towards recovery, challenges persist in the health system. Insufficient funding and resources allocated to the health ministry hinder efforts to address maternal health issues. Data collection on maternal mortality rates is lacking, and many health centers outside the capital are still struggling to provide adequate care.

Despite the challenges, Nyachiew remains dedicated to her work as a midwife, striving to help pregnant women in need. She emphasizes the importance of education for young girls, encouraging them to pursue careers in healthcare to benefit their communities. Efforts are being made by organizations like the United Nations Population Fund to train more midwives and improve access to healthcare in remote areas.

As Nyachiew continues her work in South Sudan, she hopes that future generations will have better access to education and healthcare, leading to improved maternal health outcomes in the country. Her story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of healthcare workers striving to make a difference in challenging environments.