International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Not enough women's health and obstetrics specialists are available in South Sudan, experts have warned.

According to the United Nations' Population Fund (UNFPA), there is a limited number of midwives in particular across the country, Voice of America reports.

Gillian Garnett, a midwifery specialist at UNFPA, said this means many mothers are dying when the time for them to give birth comes.

"Access to skilled attendants at birth can reduce maternal mortality by as much as 30 per cent," she commented.

Ms Garnett described the lack of midwives in South Sudan as a major healthcare issue.

Figures from the World Health Organization show the average woman in the country is expected to live to the age of 59.

South Sudan became an independent nation a year ago and festivities to mark the anniversary took place earlier this month.

Ban Ki-moon, head of the UN, noted that while much has been achieved in the country over the last 12 months, a lot more still needs to be done.

Posted by Alexandra George