Optimal control analysis of Onchocerciasis transmission model

Abstract

A deterministic model for the transmission dynamics of Onchocerciasis is developed and analyzed in this study. The model consists of two populations, namely, human and vector (blackfly) populations. The basic reproduction number is derived and used to establish the stability of the disease-free equilibrium state. The sensitivity analysis is carried out using Partial Rank Correlation Coecient (PRCC), which the result is used in formulating the optimal control model with three 
control strategies. Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle is employed in the optimal control model to determine the optimality system for controlling onchocerciasis disease. This is further solved numerically to show the impact of the control strategies on the transmission of the disease.