Computational and mathematical modelling: Applicability to infectious disease control in Africa

Abstract

Computational and mathematical models play important roles in proffering solutions to infectious diseases. Economic development and human health in Africa continues to decline as a result of the menace of infectious diseases. No doubt, Africa can be a haven of economic stability with a healthy population but not until this challenge is overcome. The significance of computational and mathematical modelling to the control of diseases cannot be overemphasized. Hence, an extensive study on the impact of computational and mathematical modelling to the control of infectious diseases in Africa is a timely study. Specifically, the scope of our study focused on four life-threatening infectious diseases common in Africa namely: The ebola virus disease, HIV/AIDs, typhoid fever and malaria. It discuss the modelling as applied to these infectious diseases, the results obtained and the future potential of each modelling technique. The severity and devastating effect of these diseases on both economic and human health in Africa informed our decision of this study. Despite the limitations inherent in existing models, strikingly revealed was the evidence that a combination of several control strategies yielded a better result than the use of a single control strategy. In conclusion, the knowledge of computational and mathematical modelling has improved the approach in managing and combating the transmission of infectious diseases. It has also helped in predicting risks of major outbreaks in Africa.