Why did many slaves were sick during the middle passage?

Many slaves became sick during the Middle Passage due to overcrowded and unsanitary conditions on slave ships, where they were often chained together in cramped spaces. The lack of proper ventilation, exposure to disease, and inadequate food and water contributed to the spread of illness. Additionally, the physical and psychological trauma of the journey, combined with malnutrition and stress, further weakened their health. These factors led to high mortality rates among enslaved individuals during the voyage.