Child Mortality Rate in Sudan: Causes and Effects in 2025/2026
WaleedSudan is a country suffering from dire conditions. The Sudanese civil war is not just taking the lives of soldiers and fighters, but also causing conflict-aggravated deaths. This means that the women and especially children, who are suffering indirect consequences, are also facing a high mortality rate. The infant mortality rate in Sudan is particularly noteworthy. This blog will discuss the infant mortality rate, reflect on its causes and effects, and propose methods for reducing this death rate.
What is the Infant Mortality Rate?
The term infant mortality rate (IMR) refers to the probability of a newborn dying between birth and exactly one year of age, expressed per 1,000 live births. It is one of the key indicators of a country’s health system, social and economic conditions, and the general welfare of mothers and infants. Closely related is the under-five mortality rate (child mortality rate), the probability that a child born in a specific year or period will die before reaching the age of five years, expressed per 1,000 live births. In other words, while child mortality covers a broader age range (birth to age 5), infant mortality zeroes in on the first year of life.
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Infant Mortality Rate in Sudan 2025
Turning to the specific case of Sudan: according to data from UNICEF for Sudan (SDN), the infant mortality rate is around 39 deaths per 1,000 live births. Meanwhile, the under‐five mortality rate (child mortality rate) in Sudan is approximately 50 deaths per 1,000 live births. Additionally, the neonatal mortality rate (deaths within the first 28 days) is about 25 per 1,000 live births in Sudan.
These numbers demonstrate that Sudan remains among the countries with very high infant and child mortality rates, much higher than global averages. For example, globally, the under‐five mortality rate in 2023 was around 37 deaths per 1,000 live births. Therefore, if we talk about the child mortality rate in Sudan, we are referencing a significant challenge.
Further research shows stark regional disparities within Sudan. A 2020 paper found that the infant mortality rate varied more than threefold between states. For example, East Darfur has an IMR of about 88.5, whereas that of the River Nile is around 28.1.
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Causes of the High Infant Mortality Rate in Sudan:
There is no single cause; the elevated infant mortality rate in Sudan is the result of a complex interplay of health system challenges, socio‐economic determinants, conflict, nutrition, and regional disparities. Below are the key factors.
1. Poor access to maternal and newborn care
Studies in Sudan show that infants whose mothers received no antenatal care (ANC) or who delivered at home had a higher risk of death. For example, the 2025 BMC Pediatrics study found lack of maternal follow‐up (AOR = 0.883) and lack of exclusive breastfeeding (AOR = 0.883) as statistically significant risk factors for infant mortality. Limited facility births, shortage of skilled birth attendants, and weak neonatal care contribute to higher risks.
2. Malnutrition and infant feeding practices
Malnutrition remains a major issue. In Sudan, acute malnutrition is surging: UNICEF reports more than 3.2 million children under age five are projected to suffer acute malnutrition, of whom more than 770,000 will suffer severe acute malnutrition. The Sudan study found that infants who suffered malnutrition had dramatically higher mortality: in one sample, 96.3% of malnourished children died. Poor infant feeding (e.g., not exclusively breastfed) also emerged as a significant factor.
3. Infectious disease burden & poor sanitation
Infants in Sudan face high exposure to diarrhoea, respiratory infections, malaria, and other infections. Globally, neonatal and infant mortality is driven by infections, preterm birth complications, and intrapartum‐related complications. In Sudan, the humanitarian crisis, disruption to health services, and water/sanitation infrastructure exacerbate these risks. For example, UNICEF reports widespread WASH related disease risk due to a lack of safe water and adequate sanitation.
4. Conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crisis
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has pushed the country into one of the worst humanitarian crises. War, displacement, collapsing health infrastructure, and food insecurity all raise the risk of infant deaths. In a crisis setting, pregnant women and newborns miss out on essential care, vaccinations, safe deliveries, and stable nutrition.
5. Regional and social inequalities
As mentioned earlier, there is a large territorial disparity in Sudan’s IMR. Low‐income households, mothers with low education, rural residence, and marginalized regions are disproportionately affected. Social determinants like income and maternal education matter: in a Sudan study by PMC, the income ratio ~1.9 and the mother‐education ratio ~1.6 for IMR differences.
6. Low immunisation coverage and health service disruption
In Sudan, routine immunisation has fallen sharply amid the crisis. For example, UNICEF notes that one in six children in some contexts remains completely unprotected. Vaccines for major childhood killers (e.g. measles, pertussis) are critical to reduce infant mortality. Inadequate vaccination increases the risk of disease and death.
7. Neonatal complications and preterm births
Globally, many infant deaths happen in the neonatal period (first 28 days). Complications like birth asphyxia, prematurity, and low birthweight contribute significantly. Sudan’s neonatal mortality rate adds to its IMR burden. In combination, these causes reinforce one another. For example, malnourished infants are more susceptible to infection; conflict disrupts nutrition, healthcare, and sanitation; and regional poverty limits access to safe delivery, all leading to higher infant deaths.
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Effects of the High Infant Mortality Rate in Sudan:
The persistently high infant mortality rate (and child mortality rate) in Sudan has serious consequences for society, economy, health system, and the future of the country.
1. Loss of human potential and societal impact
Every infant death is a tragedy for the family, community, and nation. High infant mortality means many children never grow to contribute socially or economically. The human capital loss is substantial. Moreover, high IMR is often an indicator of deeper systemic issues, including inequity, under‐resourced health systems, and poverty.
2. Strain on health and social systems
High levels of mortality reflect and contribute to failing health services. Families may lose trust in the health system; resources get diverted to acute care rather than preventive care. Recurring infant deaths also mean that neonatal units, paediatric services, and nutrition programmes operate under a heavy burden.
3. Generational trauma and inequality
In places like Sudan, where conflict and displacement already have deep effects, high infant mortality adds to generational trauma and long‐term inequality. Poorer regions get worse outcomes, widening regional and social divides. Studies show in Sudan that IMR differences by state and social background are high.
4. Slows progress towards global and national goals
Sudan’s high infant mortality impedes progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target of reducing under‐five mortality to at most 25 per 1,000 live births and neonatal mortality further. Without a significant reduction in IMR and child mortality, broader health, education, and development goals remain harder to achieve.
5. Economic cost
High infant mortality has economic costs. These include loss of future workforce, increased healthcare costs, and reduced investment incentives in regions with poor health outcomes. It also signals to donors and international partners that further investment is needed to stabilise health outcomes. In conclusion, the high infant mortality rate in Sudan is more than a health statistic. It reflects profound challenges in equity, health infrastructure, nutrition, conflict, and development.
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SAPA’s Efforts to Minimize the Infant Mortality Rate in Sudan
The Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) has placed the challenge of Sudan’s infant mortality and broader child mortality at the heart of its mission. SAPA recognises that every minute counts and that newborns in Sudan face extraordinary risk.
Some of the specific efforts by SAPA include:
- Establishing neonatal care units and deploying mobile clinics to reach displaced families where traditional health infrastructure has collapsed.
- Delivering essential equipment: infant warmers, newborn survival kits, resuscitation gear, feeding tubes, and training for midwives and birth attendants.
- Sudan Hunger Relief and WASH intervention: distributing meals, treating malnourished children, and repairing water/sanitation infrastructure in displacement camps.
- Targeted fundraising and campaign work: for example, a campaign shows that a donation of $166 can save the life of one newborn through the newborn care kit; with greater funding, SAPA aims to support 15 neonatal units across the country.
- Partnership and collaboration: SAPA works with local governments, UNICEF, and other agencies to coordinate interventions to reduce the Sudan infant mortality rate and child mortality rate in Sudan.
FAQs
1. What is the current child mortality rate in Sudan in 2025?
As of 2025, Sudan’s under-five child mortality rate is approximately 50 deaths per 1,000 live births, while the Sudan infant mortality rate (children dying before age 1) stands at around 39 deaths per 1,000 live births. These figures are among the highest in Africa and far above the global average of 37 deaths per 1,000 live births
2. What are the main causes of the high child mortality rate in Sudan?
The child mortality rate in Sudan is driven by multiple overlapping causes, including malnutrition, infectious diseases, conflict, limited maternal health care, and poor sanitation. A 2025 BMC Pediatrics study found that lack of antenatal care, malnutrition, and no exclusive breastfeeding significantly increased infant death risk.
3. How does malnutrition contribute to Sudan’s infant mortality rate?
Malnutrition is one of the leading causes of child deaths in Sudan. Over 3.2 million children under 5 are projected to suffer acute malnutrition in 2025, including 770,000 severe cases. Malnourished infants have weaker immunity and are at higher risk of fatal infections.
4. Which regions in Sudan have the highest infant mortality rates?
There are major regional disparities across Sudan. A national study found that East Darfur recorded the highest infant mortality rate at about 88.5 per 1,000 live births, while River Nile State had the lowest standing at approximately 28.1. This highlights the geographic inequalities driving the Sudan infant mortality rate.
5. How do conflict and displacement affect the child mortality rate in Sudan?
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has displaced millions and destroyed essential health infrastructure. Hospitals have closed, vaccination drives have been halted, and pregnant women lack access to safe delivery. UNICEF reports that tens of thousands of children are “on the brink of death” due to preventable conditions.
6. What steps can reduce the infant mortality rate in Sudan?
Evidence-based interventions include:
- Expanding maternal and neonatal care access
- Promoting exclusive breastfeeding
- Increasing vaccination coverage
- Improving WASH infrastructure
- Ensuring nutrition support and safe delivery in crisis zones
7. How is SAPA helping to reduce infant mortality in Sudan?
The Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) plays a crucial role in reducing the child mortality rate in Sudan.
SAPA:
- Deploys neonatal care units and mobile clinics in war-affected regions
- Distributes newborn survival kits (cost ≈ $166 per infant)
- Trains midwives and nurses on safe delivery and resuscitation
- Partners with UNICEF and local hospitals for long-term capacity building
8. What is the link between maternal health and the child mortality rate in Sudan?
Maternal health directly determines child survival. Infants born to mothers without antenatal care or who deliver at home face up to 2× higher mortality risk.
Improving maternal nutrition, prenatal checkups, and skilled birth attendance can significantly reduce the Sudanese infant mortality rate.
9. What global goals relate to reducing the child mortality rate in Sudan?
Sudan is committed to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.2, which targets reducing under-five mortality to 25 per 1,000 live births and neonatal mortality to 12 per 1,000 by 2030. Achieving this requires collaboration between the Sudanese Ministry of Health, SAPA, UNICEF, and WHO.
10. How can individuals help reduce the infant mortality rate in Sudan?
People can make a positive impact by:
- Donating to health organisations like SAPA or UNICEF in Sudan
- Sponsoring neonatal kits or nutrition drives
- Advocating for awareness of the Sudan infant mortality crisis
- Supporting education and training for local healthcare workers
