World Bank estimates 1995-2001: average life expectancy 70 years; infant mortality 34 per 1,000 live births; 8 per cent of children under age 5 were malnourished; 91 per cent and 83 per cent had access to improved sanitation and safe water facilities respectively.

Healthcare is provided free of charge. Standards are low, leading many to seek medical services in private hospitals and abroad. Major differences exist in the availability and quality of medical care between major urban centers and eastern parts of the country. Family planning was introduced in the 1960s. Due to opposition from religious groups it did not receive strong support and funding. Government expenditure on health is 2-3 per cent of GDP. There are approximately 1.1 physicians per 10,000 people.