Mathematical modeling of malaria transmission global dynamics: taking into account the release of <i>Wolbachia</i> -infected male mosquitoes (Q6950815)

Since malaria is transmitted among humans by mosquitoes, controlling mosquito populations is crucial for elimination of malaria. This paper models the dynamics of malaria transmission among humans and mosquitoes while including the control method of releasing male mosquitoes infected by \textit{Wolbachia} bacteria, an infection which makes them incapable of producing viable offspring when they mate, reducing the mosquito population in the next generation by competing for mates with fertile males. Other control methods, namely chemical control (application of larvicide) and mechanical control (elimination of mosquito breeding sites) are also included in the model. The paper studies the model analytically, characterizing conditions for elimination of malaria, and the equilibria of the model and their stability. Numerical simulations of the model, using parameters values based on estimates from the literature, are also carried out.