Omran’s Epidemiological Transition Theory: Applications and Criticism to the Brazilian Context

Denise Marques, João Pinheiro Foundation

The epidemiological transition in Brazil has followed a path similar to Omran's (2005) contemporary model but has stalled in an intermediate phase. Over the past 30 years, Brazil's health profile has shifted, raising questions about its alignment with established epidemiological frameworks. While basic health care has expanded, individual prevention efforts face obstacles due to persistent social inequalities and poverty, which hinder healthier lifestyle adoption. As a result, chronic degenerative diseases have become predominant, while infectious, parasitic, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases, along with external causes, maintain significant morbidity and mortality rates. This work aims to describe the transformations in the health status of the Brazilian population, explore regional differences in disease burden, and discuss the emerging challenges posed by climate change in the context of Brazil's current epidemiological stage. The analysis highlights the complexities of addressing both traditional and emerging health challenges within a country facing socio-economic disparities and environmental changes.

Keywords: Mortality and Longevity, Health and Morbidity, Population, Environment, and Climate Change

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