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[Comparative evolution in mortality in North Africa from 1960 until today]
1Institut de Démographie, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgique.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Mortality levels in North Africa have significantly improved since 1960, with life expectancy increasing by almost 20 years. While infant mortality has decreased, disparities between countries persist, particularly concerning child mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- North Africa has experienced significant demographic shifts since the mid-20th century.
- Understanding mortality trends is crucial for public health policy and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reconstruct and analyze the evolution of mortality in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt since 1960.
- To assess the progress in life expectancy and infant mortality across these North African nations.
Main Methods:
- Data collection from national registers and surveys in each country.
- Verification of chronological and spatial data cohesion and reliability estimation.
- Selection of the most accurate mortality estimates for analysis.
Main Results:
- Life expectancy in the region increased from 50-52 years in 1970 to nearly 70 years currently.
- Infant mortality has decreased substantially, with Tunisia showing the lowest rates (55/1000) and Egypt the highest (80/1000).
- Female overmortality has decreased but persists, particularly in early childhood, indicating ongoing gender-based disparities.
Conclusions:
- A notable mortality transition is underway in North Africa, marked by remarkable progress in recent decades.
- Despite overall improvements, significant differences in child mortality rates exist between Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt.
- Persistent female overmortality highlights the need for continued efforts to address gender-based health inequities.