Some Aspects of the Mortality Pattern in the Sudan

Abstract

Some aspects of the mortality pattern in the Sudan arc presented. As compared with developed countries there is a much higher infant mortality rate and a much shorter life expectancy. There are more than twice as many deaths amongst males as amongst females. Infectious and parasitic diseases still dominate the mortality list; by contrast ischaemic heart disease and malignancy tail behind in this respect. Road accidents do not yet pose a major public health problem but are on the increase. Suicide is rare. Homicide still lacks professionalism and premeditation. In general, the mortality picture reflects both the socio-economic life of the community and the standard of medical services. As the former becomes more advanced and complex and the latter improves, the mortality pattern will undoubtedly change accordingly. The shortcomings in the collection of data in this survey are stressed.