The Game-Theoretical Model of Using Insecticide-Treated Bed-Nets to Fight Malaria

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Jan Rychtar, Assistant Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: 2015-2016 UNCG University Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund Grant Winner. Malaria infection is a major problem in many countries. The use of the Insecticide-Treated Bed-Nets (ITNs) has been shown to significantly reduce the number of malaria infections; however, the effectiveness is often jeopardized by improper handling or human behavior such as inconsistent usage. In this paper, we present a game-theoretical model for ITN usage in communities with malaria infections. We show that it is in the individual’s self-interest to use the ITNs as long as the malaria is present in the community. Such an optimal ITN usage will significantly decrease the malaria prevalence and under some conditions may even lead to complete eradication of the disease.

Additional Information

Publication
Applied Mathematics
Language: English
Date: 2016
Keywords
Game Theory, Malaria Prevention, Optimal Strategy, Epidemic Modelling, SIS Model

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