The social value of scientific research

Background: The universities, medical institutes and scientific research centers perform studies which highlight
and reflect the problems and constraints faced in various aspects of life such as health, veterinary and other
areas, such as psychological and social research.
Aim: To throw light on the social value of scientific research within the subspecialties of Medicine, Biomedical
Sciences and other medically related disciplines in Sudan.
Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted accessing the two libraries of the Faculty of Medicine,
Khartoum University, Sudan and the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. Literature
was also accessed from WHO resources including the Index Medicus for Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Published studies in Sudan that contained information on diseases endemic in the country, such as malaria,
schistosomiasis, tuberculosis and kala azar were searched and cited. The database on genetic diseases,
particularly sickle cell anaemia (SCA), prevalent in Sudanese populations, was also searched.
Results: The result of such research is that it maps and outlines the distribution of diseases in Sudan. This is the
beacon and starting point for every healthcare researcher in Sudan. Conclusions: In conclusion, there is much to be said about the social value of health research in Sudan. It began in limited fashion, through necessity, but was original. It reveals a map of endemic diseases and was to the benefit of citizens. This review will reflect what is known regarding the rates of progress in scientific medical research in
different regions in Sudan.