Optimal control strategies and cost-effectiveness analysis of Mpox transmission dynamics: The role of traditional remedies

Abstract

This study addresses the critical challenge of controlling Mpox transmission, which remains a public health concern, especially in regions with limited access to modern healthcare. It investigates the optimal and most economically viable strategies for controlling Mpox transmission by integrating traditional remedies, community education, environmental hygiene and hospital-based biomedical treatment interventions into Mpox mathematical framework. A deterministic compartmental model was formulated and analyzed to explore the effects of these time-dependent control measures on the dynamics of Mpox spread. An optimal control theory was applied to derive the necessary conditions for the existence of optimal solutions and to identify the most effective combination of interventions. Furthermore, a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) to compare the economic and health outcomes of different control strategies. The findings reveal that combining community education, traditional remedy use, and hospital-based biomedical treatment constitutes the most effective strategy for Mpox control. This integrated approach not only leads to a significant reduction in infections but also does so at a relatively low cost, making it especially suitable for regions with limited access to modern healthcare services. This study provides evidence-based guidance for designing culturally appropriate, economically feasible and context-specific Mpox management strategies in resource-constrained settings. • Developed an optimal control framework to assess traditional remedies in Mpox mitigation with economic considerations. • Cost-effectiveness analysis shows the potential of integrating traditional and public health measures. • Sensitivity analysis reveals key parameters influencing Mpox dynamics for targeted control. • Simulations demonstrate benefits of combining remedies with education, hygiene, and biomedical treatment. • Policy recommendations support culturally grounded, cost-effective Mpox control in resource-limited settings.