According to the Epidemiological Transition Model, when do improvements like vaccines cause the death rate to drop?

The correct answer is Stage 2 of the Epidemiological Transition Model. At this stage, the characteristics of disease patterns begin to shift significantly due to advancements in public health. Improvements such as the introduction of vaccines and better sanitation methods lead to a notable decline in infectious diseases that were previously prevalent. These advancements are critical in reducing mortality rates, as they address the causes of disease that were responsible for high death rates in Stage 1, where pestilence and famine were common.

In Stage 2, as countries experience industrialization and urbanization, the public health measures implemented contribute to a substantial decrease in the overall death rate, particularly from communicable diseases. This period is marked by increased access to healthcare, improvements in nutrition, and a better understanding of disease prevention—all of which contribute to a healthier population. As a result, the death rate falls sharply, while birth rates may remain high, leading to population growth.