Publication:

Basic human needs and child mortality, in Wad-Madani paediatric teaching hospital, Gezira, Sudan

Background Children in developing countries are ten times more likely to die before the age of five when compared with children in developed countries. Sudan is one of the countries were children are at greater risk of dying. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the basic human needs like; water supply, sanitation, poor household, and distance of living, and child mortality.

Methods A cross sectional, descriptive, hospital based study. Structured questionnaire were used for data collection. The data were analyzed descriptively and then by statistical test based on chi- squire conducted to determine the relationship between death of children and basic human needs.

Results Children who lived in households that have adequate rooms, clear access to clean water and toilet facilities, experienced relatively lower mortality levels compared to children who did not have access to these facilities.

Conclusions Poor families and unhygienic and unsafe environments place children at more risk of death. Political awareness and leadership are needed to ensure equal distribution of health services between urban and rural areas, to enhance child survival.