A spatial nonlinear mathematical model of malaria transmission dynamics using vector control strategies

Abstract

Malaria is one of the serious life-threatening diseases with negative effects on both the social and economic aspects of human life. Researching into its curtailment or eradication is necessary for elevating human health and social-economic status. In this regard, this study focuses on the spatial nonlinear mathematical model to investigate how vector control strategies are correlated with the dynamics of malaria transmission. The study employs a nonlinear partial differential equations (NPDE) mathematical model to investigate malaria transmission. The model system incorporates human (host), mosquito (vector), and invasive alien plant populations. Some applicable epidemiological mathematical analyses were carried out on the model system, such as critical points, stability, the basic reproduction number, local asymptotic stability (LAS), bifurcation, global asymptotic stability (GAS), wave speed, and numerical analyses using relevant data were extensively analysed. Using the sharp threshold conditions imposed on the basic reproduction number, we were able to show that the model exhibited the backward bifurcation phenomenon and the DFE was shown to be globally asymptotic stable (GAS) under certain conditions. It was found that the invasive alien plants have significant effects on malaria transmission. This study suggests that mosquito repellent plants should be planted around the human environment to replace the invasive plants so as to reduce mosquito shelters and feeding opportunities for mosquitoes.