Optimal control and cost-effectiveness analysis for a tuberculosis vaccination model with two latent classes

Tuberculosis (TB) persists as a significant public health challenge in many regions, including Ghana. Effective treatment strategies are crucial in controlling the spread of TB, particularly in populations with diverse characteristics. This study delves into designing an optimal treatment strategy for the TB vaccination model, considering two latent classes based on Ghanaian data. We estimate and analyze the parameters to study TB dynamics based on the reproduction numbers of the two latent classes. We look into how sensitive the parameters are to see the transmission dynamics of the slow latent class of TB infectious with drug-sensitive strains and the rapid latent class of TB infectious with drug-resistant strains. Using optimal control theory techniques, we devise an optimal control strategy with a cost–benefit analysis to minimize TB incidence and maximize vaccination coverage within budget constraints. This strategy aims to guide policymakers in allocating resources efficiently to control the spread of TB. The results of this work give in-depth knowledge about the dominance of the two strains of TB transmission and provide insights into the design of effective vaccination and treatment programs. By tailoring interventions to the population's specific needs, we can work towards reducing the burden of TB worldwide.