Globally, maternal health remains a pressing issue. A report by Cresswell and the World Health Organization revealed that in 2023, approximately 287,000 women lost their lives to perinatal health-related complications—that’s 800 maternal deaths every single day, or one every two minutes. These alarming figures are often tied to a lack of skilled birth attendants and insufficient postnatal care within the critical first two days after birth. This is a crisis that demands urgent attention and action. At CIMISS, we are committed to addressing this crisis and reducing maternal mortality by ensuring access to essential perinatal care. The story of Ms. Deng illustrates the life-saving impact of our work.
Ms. Deng, a 30-week pregnant mother in South Sudan, was referred to CIMISS by her neighbor. She was experiencing severe back pain and dizziness but could not afford the medical care she desperately needed. CIMISS acted swiftly, taking Ms. Deng to her first prenatal checkup. During her visit, she was diagnosed with malaria and anemia—serious conditions that could have endangered both her life and her baby’s. With support from CIMISS, Ms. Deng received her first prenatal care and the medication she needed. However, at 37 weeks, her symptoms returned. CIMISS once again intervened, funding an ultrasound that revealed she was pregnant with twins and still suffering from low blood levels. Thanks to our donors, Ms. Deng received a second obstetric visit and additional medication to stabilize her condition.
While CIMISS has helped Ms. Deng receive critical prenatal care, her journey is far from over. To ensure a safe delivery and prevent complications, she requires skilled birth attendance, ongoing obstetric visits, and nutritional support. Without these interventions, the risk of maternal or infant mortality remains high. Ms. Deng’s story is just one example of the life-saving work CIMISS performs every day. But we cannot do it alone. Your support is vital in ensuring that vulnerable families in South Sudan receive the care they need. By donating to CIMISS, you can help us provide prenatal and postpartum care to mothers like Ms. Deng, fund critical medical treatments and skilled birth attendance, and support nutritional programs to promote healthy pregnancies.