15% of Expectant mothers in Ngai Sub-County deliver home – Survey

Oyam District - Several expectant mothers in Ngai sub-county in Oyam district have opted to deliver from home due to the long distance coupled with the poor road conditions that have now become barriers in accessing the local health centre.

With a monthly enrolment of over 100 expectant mothers, Ngai Health Centre III is seemingly the only healthcare facility in the entire sub-county managing between 70 to 80 deliveries with an estimated 15% of women believed to be delivering outside the healthcare system.

While speaking to radio Qfm in an exclusive interview, Jimmy Dolo Anywar, the Local Council III Chairperson of Ngai Sub-County, confirmed the significant drop regarding maternal attendance, particularly during delivery noting that mothers living in remote areas of Acut Parish face the challenge of walking long journeys to access health centre services.

He further noted the challenges the expectant mothers from Omach Parish bear while accessing health services highlighting the impassable roads leading to the facility.

Anywar also revealed that the local government recently requested for the establishment of a new health facility in Acut Parish, which would be called Aryek Health Centre. This facility would bring essential services closer to the people and reduce the burden on Ngai Health Centre III.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Ocude, the in-charge at Ngai Health Centre III, confirmed the challenges, noting that the Ministry of Health recommends a maximum 5km distance to a health facility for expectant mothers.

He however decried the closure of KWAM, a charity organization 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 offer decent healthcare services amid the rising demand.

Local leaders are calling on the Oyam District Local Government to take immediate action and approve the establishment of new health centers in Acut and Omach to ensure safer deliveries for all mothers.