Health in Sudan

Sudan is still one of the largest countries in Africa, even after the split of the Northern and Southern parts. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the region and is home to over 37.9 million people.

Sudan is a young population country with the median age 19.6 years. The total life expectancy for males and females at birth was estimated at around 62 and 66 years, respectively, and this is considered the average for least developed countries. The under-five child mortality rate was 77/1000 in 2015 compared to 128/1000 in 1990 and the maternal mortality ratio was 360/100,000 in 2015 compared to 720/100,000 in 1990.

Sudan has a high incidence of debilitating and sometimes fatal diseases, the persistence of which reflects difficult ecological conditions, high levels of malnutrition, an inadequate health-care system, and conflict and violence. Sudan is also susceptible to non-communicable diseases, natural and manmade disasters. Drought, flood, internal conflicts, and outbreaks of violence are quite common which bring about a burden of traumatic disease and demand for high quality emergency health care.

The Human Rights Measurement Initiative finds that Sudan is only fulfilling 62.0% of what it should be fulfilling for the right to health based on its level of income. Following the war in Sudan after 15 April 2023, many health facilities, staff and related infrastructure in the country have been severely impacted, with large sections of the population unable to receive health treatment.