⬇ Download Article PDF (pp. 16–20)
Abstract
Background: The Sudanese war, which began in April 2023, resulted in substantial population displacement and disruption of healthcare services. Sudden and unexpected deaths were observed among displaced Sudanese civilians during this period. Objective: To describe the demographic characteristics, previous medical conditions, and selected risk factors among Sudanese civilians who died suddenly after displacement to Egypt during the Sudanese war from April 2023 to November 2024. Methods: Retrospective descriptive case-series study reviewing medical records of Sudanese civilians who died unexpectedly in Egypt during the study period. Results: The final statistical analysis included 141 individuals — 73 males (51.8%) and 68 females (48.2%). The largest proportion was aged 60–69 years (23.4%). Hypertension was the most frequently documented medical condition (52.5%), followed by diabetes mellitus (32.6%), family history of sudden death (29.8%), ischemic heart disease (24.8%), and smoking (22.7%). A significant association was observed between sex and previous brain hemorrhage (p = 0.0025). Conclusion: This case series demonstrates a substantial burden of cardiovascular, metabolic, cerebrovascular, and other chronic medical conditions among Sudanese civilians who died suddenly after displacement to Egypt. The findings emphasize the vulnerability of displaced populations with chronic diseases during periods of conflict.
Keywords: sudden death; Sudan; war; displacement; Egypt; hypertension; diabetes mellitus; cardiovascular disease; epilepsy; cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Hussien Abbashar, Ahmad Elgamel, Abbashar Hussein, Abdel Haleem Omer, Amira Siddig Abdelmonim, Abdelgadar Banaga, Ali Abdelhaleem, et al.
Affiliation: Zamzam University College, Khartoum, Sudan
Published: 6 October 2026 · Vol. 1, Issue 2 · pp. 16–20