The paradox of epidemiological transition

Abstract

In the year 2000, it took place in New York City the Millennium Summit, and The Millennium Declaration was approved. Taking into account the global development issues, the Millennium Development Goals were established. These constitute an agreement between the World’s nations and the most important development institutions worldwide. The Goals are: (1) Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Poverty. (2) Achieve Universal Primary Education. (3) Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women. (4) Reduce Child Mortality. (5) Improve Maternal Health. (6) Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and other diseases. (7) Ensure Environmental Sustainability. (8) Develop a Global Partnership for Development. Of these goals, at least four are related to health and our country’s epidemiology. By year 2010, when the Third Report on the Millennium Goals in Guatemala was published, it was evident that the accomplishment of the goals was anything but close to achieve. Meanwhile it is not possible to solve the health priorities in the country, other diseases previously considered almost exclusive from the First World have emerged, and diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and its complications gain terrain. As a result of this phenomenon, now we are facing priority goals not accomplished and a growing pool of chronic