Optimal control of behaviour and treatment in a nonautonomous SIR model

Abstract

In this paper, we have considered a nonautonomous susceptible, infected, removed (SIR) model with saturation incidence rate for disease transmission. The global dynamical properties like permanence and global stability of the system as well as extinction of disease are analytically and numerically studied. The impact of behavioural patterns of individuals on disease control is validated along with possible applications. Furthermore, Pontryagin's Maximum Principle is used to characterise optimal level of the two controls, treatment and awareness level. Our objective is to minimise the infected population as well as the cost of applied control. The controls at optimal level are found to achieve different levels of impact on infection. It is observed that the combined impact of treatment and awareness exhibits more effective result in disease control compared to their single application. Based on observation, the strategy regarding the implementation of awareness and treatment is suggested.