What does it mean for a country to undergo an epidemiological transition?

The concept of epidemiological transition describes the shifts in the patterns of health and disease in a population over time. When a country moves from infectious disease mortality to chronic disease mortality, it reflects a significant transformation in its healthcare system, lifestyle, and socio-economic conditions. In earlier stages of development, infectious diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and gastrointestinal infections are prevalent, often due to poor sanitation, lack of access to clean water and vaccines, and limited healthcare resources.

As countries develop, there is usually an improvement in healthcare infrastructure, better access to medical care, and advancements in public health initiatives. These changes lead to a decline in mortality related to infectious diseases. Instead, chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes become more dominant causes of death. This transition is influenced by various factors, including changes in diet, increased physical inactivity, and aging populations, which all contribute to the rising prevalence of chronic conditions.

Recognizing this transition is crucial for public health planning and disease prevention strategies, as the focus shifts from combating infectious diseases to managing and preventing chronic diseases in the population.