Birth Defects Raise Alarm in Oil Rich Ruweng

(Juba) – The Government of South Sudan has launched an official investigation into reports of a rising number of birth defects, stillbirths, and miscarriages in areas where oil production is active.

The Ministry of Petroleum announced that it is examining whether environmental pollution from oil operations could be contributing to these serious health issues affecting families in oil rich communities.

The inquiry began after reports surfaced of children born with deformities in Ruweng, a region in the northern part of the country that holds some of South Sudan’s most productive oil fields.

The Ministry is currently reviewing specific cases, including one involving a child from Ruweng, to determine if oil pollution is the cause.

In a public statement, the Ministry of Petroleum said it is “working toward finding solutions to whether the deformation, stillbirths and miscarriages are due to the oil pollution.”

The move follows earlier remarks by a senior government official who acknowledged that oil related environmental damage could be linked to birth defects, pregnancy complications, and maternal deaths.

South Sudan has the third largest crude oil reserves in Sub-Saharan Africa. Oil production remains the country’s main source of revenue and plays a central role in its development plans.

Despite this, oil extraction has long raised concerns about its environmental and social impact, especially in regions where infrastructure and healthcare systems are weak.

The government has emphasized that its priority is to increase oil output to help grow the national economy. At the same time, it says it is committed to making sure that communities in oil-producing regions live in safe and healthy environments.

Officials say the investigation is an effort to balance economic growth with public health and environmental protection.

Authorities have also expressed interest in working with both local organizations and international partners to find practical solutions.

“We are ready to partner with groups that can help us minimize social and environmental impacts while continuing development,” the Ministry’s statement added.

The investigation is expected to continue over the coming months, with further assessments planned in other oil-producing zones across the country.

The outcome could influence future regulations on oil industry practices, particularly around environmental safety and community health monitoring.