Infant mortality in Sudan 1955-2020
In 1955, the infant mortality rate in Sudan was estimated to be 135 deaths per thousand live births, meaning that almost 14 percent of babies born in this year would not survive past their first birthday. This figure would decline greatly throughout the 1950s to 1970s, as rising oil exports and significant foreign direct investment would allow for substantial improvements in healthcare and nutrition access in the country. While this decline in mortality would continue throughout the remainder of the 20th century, the rate of decline would slow drastically beginning in the 1980s, as the Second Sudanese Civil War would cause widespread disruption of health services, and result in severe food and medical shortages in the country. The rate of decline would increase once more beginning in the late 1990s, however, as a winding down in the conflict and the eventual ceasefire would allow for the return of many humanitarian and government health and food programs. As a result, infant mortality has declined greatly in the 21st century, and in 2020, it is estimated that Sudan has an infant mortality rate of 43 deaths per thousand births.