Topic: Reducing Infant Mortality
Country: Sudan
Delegate Name: Catherine Stapleton
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Sudan position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
Though Sudan’s infant mortality rate (51.52 deaths per 1000 births) is below the average rate for the African continent (55 deaths per 1000 births), Sudan nonetheless recognizes the need to combat this problem. From 1990 to 2015, Africa reduced its under-five infant mortality rate from 190 deaths per 1000 births to 75 deaths per 1000 births as a result of more information about nutrition, breastfeeding, and pre/postnatal care. The continent continues to struggle with infant mortality, as its rate is almost 1.5 times higher than the world average of 32 deaths per 1000 births.
Sudan acknowledges that breastfed babies are healthier and six times more likely to survive infancy. Therefore, in accordance with the teachings in the Quran that encourage breastfeeding for two years after a child’s birth, Sudan will work to encourage mothers to breastfeed their children. The Muslim faith recognizes breastfeeding as one of the most noble duties of the mother, as it provides both physical and spiritual nourishment for her children. Though working mothers in the Sudanese economy are the minority (there are only 35.7% economically active females), Sudan will work to more easily accommodate women who wish to breastfeed their children at work. Sudan encourages the United Nations to continue cooperating with UNICEF in encouraging pregnant Sudanese women to undergo HIV testing and disseminating information about the risks of breastfeeding if they are HIV positive.
Sudan also acknowledges the need for better sanitation and water conditions. Ensuring that mothers are healthy during their pregnancy will give their children a greater chance of survival. Currently, 44.5% of the Sudanese population still lives with unimproved drinking water, and 76.4% of the population lives without access to improved sanitation facilities. Increased movement from rural areas into more developed areas in Sudan will mean that more people will have access to cleaner water and resources in the future.
Because 97% percent of our population are Sunni Muslims, Sudan discourages the aid of outside organizations and doctors in assisting with childbirth. Because of our conservative view of women in society, Sudan believes a woman’s dignity should be preserved by encouraging at-home births. Therefore, continuing to train Sudanese citizens in medicine will ensure that women will have educated personnel who adhere to our conservative values while assisting in childbirth.
Sudan believes that reducing infant mortality can be accomplished by preserving our important Sunni Islam values. Providing education about breastfeeding and working to improve sanitation and nutrition are the most effective methods Sudan can implement to reduce infant mortality.
