What generalizations can be made about changes in disease rates that have occurred between 1900 and the present?

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Over the past century, there have been dramatic changes in disease rates around the world. In general, there has been a marked decrease in infectious diseases due to advances in medical technologies and public health interventions. In particular, mortality from communicable diseases such as smallpox, polio, cholera and tuberculosis have plummeted due to vaccination campaigns and improved access to clean water supplies.

Moreover, deaths from nutritional deficiencies have decreased markedly with wider availability of food sources and better nutrition education. Promotion of healthy lifestyles and behavior change has also contributed to lower prevalence of certain chronic conditions such as obesity-related heart disease or diabetes.

At the same time, there has been an increase in incidence of some noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer or Alzheimer’s disease which are typically associated with aging populations living longer lives due to more modern lifestyle habits including smoking or alcohol consumption. Additionally, rates of mental health disorders are on the rise worldwide likely related to increased stressors associated with contemporary life situations including job insecurity or economic inequality.

In conclusion, over the last century we have seen tremendous progress in reducing mortality from infectious diseases while at the same time facing emerging challenges with respect to NCDs and mental health disorders that will require more concerted efforts by both global healthcare practitioners and individual citizens alike if further progress is expected moving forward into the future.