What are the major factors responsible for low death rate during stage 2 of demographic transition?

During stage 2 of the demographic transition, countries experience a rapid decline in death rates, leading to a period of significant population growth. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:

1. Improvements in Public Health Infrastructure: One of the primary factors responsible for the low death rate during stage 2 is the expansion and improvement of public health infrastructure. This includes investments in sanitation, clean water supply, waste management, and disease control measures. Access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities reduces the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, leading to lower mortality rates, particularly among infants and young children.

2. Advancements in Medical Technology: During stage 2, there are significant advancements in medical technology and healthcare delivery systems, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. The discovery of antibiotics, vaccines, and other medical interventions helps combat infectious diseases and reduce mortality rates from conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and influenza. Access to healthcare services, including hospitals, clinics, and trained medical professionals, becomes more widespread, enabling early detection and treatment of illnesses.

3. Expansion of Immunization Programs: Governments and international organizations implement widespread immunization programs during stage 2, targeting common infectious diseases such as measles, polio, and diphtheria. Vaccination campaigns reach large segments of the population, including children, adolescents, and adults, leading to herd immunity and reduced transmission of infectious diseases. Immunization programs contribute to lower mortality rates by preventing outbreaks and reducing the severity of infectious diseases.

4. Improvements in Nutrition and Food Security: Economic development and agricultural advancements lead to improvements in nutrition and food security during stage 2. Increased food production, distribution networks, and access to diverse and nutritious diets contribute to better overall health outcomes and lower mortality rates. Adequate nutrition supports immune function, growth, and development, reducing susceptibility to infectious diseases and improving survival rates, particularly among children and vulnerable populations.

5. Education and Health Awareness: Increased literacy rates and educational attainment during stage 2 contribute to greater health awareness and behavior change. Education empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health, hygiene practices, reproductive choices, and healthcare utilization. Health education campaigns raise awareness about disease prevention, maternal and child health, family planning, and healthy lifestyles, leading to improved health outcomes and lower mortality rates across the population.

6. Decrease in Fertility Rates: As mortality rates decline during stage 2, fertility rates remain high initially, leading to rapid population growth. However, over time, improvements in healthcare, education, and women's empowerment contribute to declining fertility rates as well. Lower fertility rates reduce the strain on healthcare systems and allow for more resources to be allocated to improving health services and infrastructure, further contributing to lower mortality rates.

7. Urbanization and Access to Services: Urbanization accelerates during stage 2, leading to increased access to healthcare, education, and other essential services. Urban areas tend to have better infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and public health programs compared to rural areas, leading to lower mortality rates among urban populations. Access to healthcare providers, medical supplies, emergency services, and specialized treatments becomes more readily available in urban centers, contributing to improved health outcomes and reduced mortality rates.

In conclusion, the low death rate during stage 2 of the demographic transition is the result of multiple factors working together, including improvements in public health infrastructure, advancements in medical technology, expansion of immunization programs, improvements in nutrition and food security, education and health awareness, decreasing fertility rates, and urbanization. These factors contribute to improved health outcomes, increased life expectancy, and overall population growth during this stage of demographic transition.