On the application of optimal control strategies to a generalized SVIR model

Abstract

In this paper, a deterministic optimal control problem involving a Susceptible - Vaccinated - Infected - Recovered (SVIR) epidemic model is considered. The optimal control problem is characterized using the Pontryagin’s maximum principle involving three control strategies namely, social mobilization, screening and sanitation. The derived optimality system is numerically solved using the forward - backward Runge - Kutta fourth order method via the computational software matlab. The numerical simulations depict that each of the control strategy has its significance in minimizing the spread of diseases, but the optimal combination of these controls are more effective in stemming the emergence and spread of an epidemic.