Sex Disparities in Mortality and Lifespan Inequality for Sub-Saharan Africa. A Comparison with UK-Based Data.

Gilbert Habaasa, Population and Development Consult

Limited studies on sex disparities in mortality and lifespan inequality have been carried out in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is largely due to undeveloped health and civil registration systems, unlike the developed countries such as the UK where mortality data is readily available. Although previous studies reviewed for Western countries predict an increase in male mortality than females, others predict a slight reduction in male excess mortality. To understand the mortality situation and the lifespan inequalities in Sub-Saharan Africa, a clear understanding of the main drivers of sex disparities in mortality is necessary. The study adopts a longitudinal study design. Data for England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland was accessed from the Human Mortality Database. Mortality data for South Africa, Egypt and Mauritius was accessed from the Human lifetable database. By 1950, life expectancy at birth was as high as 68.5 years in the UK while for Sub-Saharan Africa, it was 54.7 years. By 2021, life expectancy at birth was highest in Ireland at 82.4 years while in Mauritius, it was 70.3 years. Lifespan equality for men lagged behind than for women over historical time and during mortality crises. Although child mortality has declined in SSA, adult mortality has increased.

Keywords: Mortality and Longevity, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Older Adults and Intergenerational Relations, Historical Demography

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