9 April 2014 - In response to high maternal mortality in Sudan and to scale up the actions to reduce maternal mortality, a workshop was organized as a collaborative effort between WHO, the Federal Ministry of Health and the Obstetrical and Gynecological Society involving a wide range of stakeholders. The workshop aimed at reaching a consensus between concerned authorities and bodies to expand the utilization of life-saving drugs, namely, misoprostol and magnesium sulfate at community level by trained doctors and midwives. 

The workshop resulted in a set of policy recommendations which will accelaerate Sudan’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality. Sudan’s maternal mortality ratio is estimated at 216 deaths per 100 000 live births (WHO 2010). Based on the maternal death review system, which was established in 2009, two of the leading causes of maternal deaths are postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding after childbirth), and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (extremely high blood pressure) which can cause seizures. 

About 80% of deliveries in Sudan still occur at home with the assistance of a midwife.