Final answer:
Infectious diseases account for nearly 25% of deaths globally, with a significant impact in developing countries despite advancements in antibiotics and public health measures like sanitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infectious diseases remain a prevalent cause of mortality globally. Although the impact of infectious disease on human population growth is becoming less significant over the years, infectious diseases are still among the leading causes of death worldwide. The exact percentage of global deaths attributable to infectious diseases varies depending on the source; however, the impact is more pronounced in developing countries, where they are significant determiners of mortality. Developed countries have seen a decline in mortality rates from bacterial infections due to advancements such as antibiotics and public sanitation, yet issues like antibiotic resistance and unequal access to medical care persist. Regarding an outbreak like the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which has infected more than 60 million people and is the fourth-biggest killer globally, or malaria, which resulted in about 438,000 deaths mostly in Africa in 2015, it underscores the importance of infectious diseases in global health. Based on the information provided and the data from historical and current outbreaks, the correct answer to the student's question is (A) nearly 25% of deaths globally.