As the facility celebrated the successful delivery of the three children, ululations overshadowed the joy as another expectant woman lost her life over severe bleeding and inadequate essential maternal equipment

Emmanuel Mandella

Yambio State Referral Hospital witnessed a rare moment of joy this week after successfully delivering triplets; one girl and two boys, marking the first such milestone at the facility in 2026. However, the celebration was overshadowed by ongoing shortages of essential medical supplies and the tragic death of another mother who arrived at the hospital too late to the rescue after severe bleeding at home.

Mrs. Marietta Magianga, a midwife at the hospital, confirmed that the triplets were delivered safely and are currently in stable condition.

“Yesterday, we received triplets; one girl and two boys. We thank God that the babies are okay now. It is the first time this year we have delivered triplets here, and we are happy for what happened,” Magianga said.

Despite the successful delivery, Magianga revealed that the hospital continues to face serious shortages of basic equipment needed for maternal care. In the case of the triplets, the family was asked to provide gloves for the medical team due to a lack of supplies at the facility.

“We requested the husband to bring gloves for the delivery because we did not have them. We are managing with the little that we have. What we don’t have, we ask families to buy from outside just to save the life of the mother and babies,” she explained.

Broad health challenges

The situation at Yambio State Referral Hospital reflects broader challenges facing health facilities across Western Equatoria State. Health workers say shortages of gloves, medicines, surgical materials, and other essential equipment are affecting service delivery, particularly in emergency obstetric cases.

“We need support from the government. Hospitals at the state level should have enough materials to handle deliveries safely. We are trying our best, but we cannot do everything without support,” Magianga said.

The birth of triplets also presents financial and social challenges for the family. According to the midwife, both parents are struggling economically and may not be able to adequately provide for the three newborns.

“At least they need support. It is not easy for a mother and father to manage care for three babies at once under the current economic situation,” she added.

While one family celebrated new life, another was mourning. On the same day the triplets were born, the hospital lost a mother and her baby due to excessive bleeding.

“The mother started bleeding at home and delayed coming to the hospital, by the time she arrived, it was already too late. Even when she was taken for emergency care, she passed away,” Magianga explained.

Risks of self maternal homecare

Health workers say delayed hospital visits remain one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in the state. Many women attempt to manage complications at home before seeking professional help, often due to distance, lack of transportation, financial constraints, or cultural practices.

“If anything happens at home, mothers should come early. If they delay, that is when we lose them,” Magianga urged.

The problem is even more severe for pregnant women traveling from remote counties such as Nagero, Mundri East, Mvolo, and Ezo. Many of these areas lack fully equipped health centers capable of handling complicated deliveries, forcing mothers to travel long distances.

Poor road conditions, especially during the rainy season, limited transport options, and insecurity along certain routes further complicate access to emergency care. Some women endure hours or even days of travel before reaching the referral hospital.

Health workers say by the time some mothers arrive, their conditions have significantly deteriorated.

“Many of the complications we see could have been prevented if mothers reached the hospital earlier,” Magianga noted.

In addition, the rising number of Caesarean section deliveries has placed additional strain on the hospital’s limited surgical resources. Although Magianga clarified that most operations this year have been successful, repeated surgeries and complications increase risks.

“Operations are going well, but complications happen, especially when mothers come late or have had previous surgeries,” she said.

Despite periodic strikes and economic challenges affecting public institutions, the hospital staff continue to operate under difficult circumstances.

“We are managing with the little that we are given. Our priority is to save the life of the mother and baby,” Magianga said.

She emphasized the need for increased support from both state and national health authorities to ensure consistent supply of essential materials to state hospitals.

Public health advocates argue that improving maternal health outcomes in Western Equatoria requires a combination of adequate funding, improved rural health infrastructure, community awareness campaigns, and reliable supply chains.

As the hospital continues to serve patients from across the state, Magianga’s message to pregnant women is clear:

“Do not deliver at home. Come to the hospital early. If there is bleeding or any danger sign, do not delay.”

The contrasting events at Yambio State Referral Hospital the safe arrival of triplets and the loss of a mother and child underscore both the resilience of frontline health workers and the urgent need to strengthen maternal healthcare services in Western Equatoria State.

For now, amid systemic challenges, the cry of three newborns offers a glimmer of hope and a reminder of what the issues at stake.

Utilities

“Do not deliver at home. Come to the hospital early. If there is bleeding or any danger sign, do not delay,”  said Mrs. Marietta Magianga, a midwife at Yambio State Refferal Hospital.