The Epidemiological Transition in Mexico: A Case of Poorly Designed Health Policies Lacking In Evidence

Abstract

Why is it that, over the years, so many experts have adopted the Theory of Epidemiological Transition as the basis for deciphering the course of the epidemiological profile, despite its obvious theoretical weaknesses? On the basis of a reinterpretation of the version drawn up by Omran thirty years ago and his best known criticisms, this article proposes a number of hypotheses to answer this question. It stresses the need to consider the consequences of continuing to use this theory for the design and evaluation of a public health policy while underlining the importance of constructing alternative forms of interpretation. Only then will it be possible to achieve a better understanding of the changes in the profile of damage that will contribute to the search for more appropriate answers to the challenges posed by health care and the treatment of disease in contemporary societies.