Optimal Control Strategies for a Mathematical Model of Pneumonia Infection

In this study, we formulate and analyze a deterministic mathematical model describing the transmission dynamics of pneumonia. A comprehensive stability analysis is conducted for both the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points. The disease-free equilibrium is locally and globally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number R₀ < 1, while the endemic equilibrium is locally and globally asymptotically stable when R₀ > 1. To evaluate effective intervention strategies, an optimal control problem is formulated by introducing time-dependent control variables representing awareness campaigns, screening of carriers, and treatment of infected individuals. Applying Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle, the simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies in reducing the number of infections and mitigating the overall disease burden. The findings offer valuable insights into the control of pneumonia and highlight the potential impact of strategic public health interventions.