Analyzing the Impact of Control Strategies on Visceral Leishmaniasis: A Mathematical Modeling Perspective

Visceral Leishmaniasis remains a significant public health challenge in eastern Sudan despite extensive control efforts. This study employs MCMC Bayesian inference techniques to fit a mathematical model for studying visceral Leishmaniasis transmission dynamics with interventions. The research focuses on evaluation of control programs to adapt to the dynamic nature of visceral Leishmaniasis transmission. We analyze 22 years of cumulative visceral Leishmaniasis cases from eastern Sudan, an endemic region for visceral Leishmaniasis, and assessed the effectiveness of interventions implemented thus far. The results reveal that visceral Leishmaniasis is prevalent, with reported cases representing less than 20% of community infections. Improved surveillance and diagnostics are necessary for accurately estimating the disease burden. The effectiveness of intervention strategies for vector control for reducing VL transmission in the region is found to be limited. Furthermore, the model predicts visceral Leishmaniasis cases will continue to increase in the near future, underscoring the need adaptable initiatives to reduce the disease burden.