Optimal control strategy for an multi-regional epidemic model

A multi-regional model is developed for the global spread of an emerging and re-emerging infectious disease. Intra-regional interventions and inter-regional interventions are incorporated into the model. Optimal control theory is applied to the formulation of a prevention and control strategy against diseases. The conditions for existence of an optimal control are derived by using Pontrayagins maximum principle. Numerical results show that optimal control strategy preforms effective. A briefly study on the impact of different levels of hygiene precautions on the formulation of an optimal control strategy is investigated. Simulation result further reveals that that intra-regional intervention and exit screening at the border of an region remains the best choice for an infectious disease, but entry screening should be given less priority or even abandoned in the entire optimal control program.