<p>Providing a fast, economical and efficient way to transport pregnant women to hospitals, the new motorbike ambulance - fitted with an attached sidecar bed in which a pregnant woman can sit comfortably - has become a veritable lifeline for Southern Sudan.</p>
<p>Tragically, Southern Sudan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with a ratio in Western Equatoria that stands at a staggering 2,045 out of every 100,000 pregnant women. By affording safe access to previously out of reach medical services in the region, these new vehicles will go a long way in cutting down many of these unnecessary deaths.</p>
<p>Receiving the ambulances at the Freedom Square in the state capital Yambio, the Governor of the State, Joseph Bakosoro Bangasi said, “This is one big step for us to quickly respond to emergencies related to pregnancies and child illnesses. This is the best solution for our poor roads.”</p>
<p>“This contribution of seven bikes will go a long way in averting the deaths of women and their unborn babies”, said Dr. Yasmin Haque, Director for the UNICEF Southern Sudan Area Programme.&nbsp;</p>
