Precarious Health in South Sudan

A health worker makes routine checks in the maternity ward at a hospital run by a Catholic mission in Mapuordit, southern Sudan, Nov. 23, 2005. Although the peace accord signed in Jan. 2005 ended the war between the Islamic north and non-Muslim south, years of civil war have taken their toll. The presence of any government or infrastructure is minimal, if at all. The missions and other NGOs in the region provide vital basic services for the population, which is slowly growing around the relief and aid centers. While the war is over, the Catholic church sees that the battle with the Islamic Sudanese government for the hearts and minds of the people of south Sudan is just beginning. After a six-year transitionary period, the south Sudanese will vote in a referendum on independence. (Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

16 / 33

A health worker makes routine checks in the maternity ward at a hospital run by a Catholic mission in Mapuordit, southern Sudan, Nov. 23, 2005. Although the peace accord signed in Jan. 2005 ended the war between the Islamic north and non-Muslim south, years of civil war have taken their toll. The presence of any government or infrastructure is minimal, if at all. The missions and other NGOs in the region provide vital basic services for the population, which is slowly growing around the relief and aid centers. While the war is over, the Catholic church sees that the battle with the Islamic Sudanese government for the hearts and minds of the people of south Sudan is just beginning. After a six-year transitionary period, the south Sudanese will vote in a referendum on independence. (Douglas Engle/Australfoto)

sudan health water hospital disease poverty war