Pan African Medical Journal · 2020 · 34 citations · 12 references
Public HealthHealth PolicyInfectious DiseasesEpidemiologyGlobal HealthInfectious Disease EpidemiologyDisease BurdenDisease EpidemiologyDisease Trend AnalysisEpidemiologic TransitionGlobal EpidemiologyHealth TransitionBurdenBurden Of Communicable DiseasesDisease Burden ShiftsDisease TransitionsEpidemiologic Transition TheoryEpidemiological ShiftHealth FundingPopulation-based Disease Modeling
Epidemiological transition theory posits a shift from infectious to non‑communicable diseases, yet it may not adequately describe sub‑Saharan Africa’s epidemiology. The study argues that health funding targeting infectious diseases must also address the concurrent rise in non‑communicable diseases. The authors examined Mozambique, a country experiencing rapid demographic change and population growth. Data show that while non‑communicable diseases are increasing, infectious diseases remain predominant, indicating a double‑burden disease model best describes Mozambique’s epidemiological reality.
Epidemiological transition theory aims to describe changes in epidemiological scenarios at the global and national level. The assumption is the shift from infectious diseases (IDs) to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Some authors argue that this theory failed to describe epidemiology in sub-Saharan Africa. We considered the case of Mozambique, where is occurring a rapid demographic change, with dramatic growth of the population. According to the data, we concluded that NCDs are increasing in Mozambique, but due to the vast predominance of IDs, a double burden of disease model is more accurate to describe the actual epidemiological context of the country. Consequently, health funding focusing on IDs should take into account the concomitant epidemiological scenario and try to encompass other health challenges.
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