Nyala, August 18 (Darfur24)
A report by the South Darfur State Ministry of Health has recorded 47 maternal deaths during the first half of 2026, amid severe disruptions to healthcare services caused by the ongoing war.
The report, reviewed by Darfur24 on Monday, said maternal deaths were reported from only eight of the state’s 21 localities, while 13 localities submitted no data.
The ministry said the absence of reports from those areas does not necessarily mean that no maternal deaths occurred. Rather, it reflects difficulties in collecting information and communicating with areas that did not submit reports because of limited communication networks, difficult access and shortages of health personnel.
According to the report, postpartum hemorrhage was the leading reported cause of maternal deaths, against a backdrop of high rates of home deliveries and inadequate access to maternal healthcare.
Other contributing conditions included complications related to malaria, hepatitis, jaundice and anemia, as well as irregular antenatal care.
The ministry attributed the worsening health situation to the war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, which has left most health facilities in the state out of service and caused severe shortages of medical services and personnel.
The conflict has also driven many health workers to leave the state, further limiting access to essential maternal and emergency healthcare.