Optimal control for schistosomiasis model with different ages in Laos

In this paper, optimal control strategy and optimal solution for a previous schistosomiasis model is obtained. Through the sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number, ii is found that the recovery rate and mortality of positive snails is the most sensitive to the basic reproductive number. Snail control measures could not be carried out because of Laos' state. Therefore, this paper proposes two optimization control measures, that is to reduce the contact rate between human and snail, and to treat infected people with drugs on a large scale. Through numerical simulations we find that under optimal control strategy the prevalence of infected people and positive snail decrease rapidly. If only one control measure can be chosen, safe water and health education is better than treatment with drugs to control schistosomiasis in Laos. However, to eliminate schistosomiasis need too long time. Furthermore, single control strategy can not eliminate schistosomiasis. Hence, other control strategies are need to control or eliminate schistosomiasis in Laos.