Omran's Theory

Omran's Epidemiologic Transition Theory describes how patterns of disease and health evolve as societies develop. It outlines three stages: first, the Age of Pestilence and Famine, marked by high death rates from infectious diseases; second, the Age of Receding Pandemics, where improved sanitation and medicine reduce disease impact; and third, the Age of Degenerative and Human-created Diseases, characterized by chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer as leading causes of death. This theory helps us understand how public health priorities shift over time with societal progress.