18 students of midwifery graduated today from the Wau Health Science institute in Western Bahr al-Ghazal State.

This is the first graduation from the institute. The midwives underwent training in the profession for three years.

“The students – ten males and eight females – were today awarded with certificates,” reported Deng Dimo, Eye Radio’s Stringer in Wau.

South Sudan infant mortality rates are among the highest in the world, according to the UN.

Most deaths are attributed to lack of qualified midwives in the country. The graduates are believed to help reduce the mortality rates.