James Moore-Stanley edited subsection_Appropriate_use_of_the__.tex  almost 8 years ago

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There are estimates of $R_0$ used by the World Health Organisation, among others, to aid with their preparations. This means that $R_0$ can simply be put to one side and cast as useless. If $R_0$ is taken to be an approximation over a sustained period of time (i.e. for a disease that is a constant threat and has years and years of data) it tells the relevant assisting body information such as prioritising which epidemics need to be tended to first, and whether vaccination is likely to be an effective retardant.  \\Relevant organisations should also try to also take other easier to measure parameters into account, for example the number of mosquitoes (or whatever the vector may be).  \\The models tell us two solutions. In the short term, if the $R_0$ is high, there is ultimately not much that can be done. Pharmaceutial companies are generously willing to provide vaccinations at 8 per person for yellow fever. Luckily, yellow fever immunity for life only requires one vaccination. The WHO rather unsurprisingly is unable to issue vaccinations to all, for political and monetary (rather lack of) reasons.  \\However, for diseases that have a constantly high $R_0$ over a long period of time, it seems that the only long-term solutions will be affecting the parameters in which $R_0$ is calculated from. This has been the aim of the \textit{Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation}, with their aim is to try to slow the effect. This is comparable to yellow fever, as mosquitoes are the vector in both diseases. They aim to eventually reduce the number of mosquitoes, which, according to the models, specifically the Ross-Macdonald model, will have a large effect, particularly as the model places great emphasis on the bite rate ($a^2). $(a^2)$.  This means that in the long term, these models should be used to understand that by changing the variables, the disease will eventually begin to die out. One can conclude from the model that \textit{any} attack on mosquitoes will reduce the rate of spread, meaning that mathematical models should lead to action reducing the bite rate consisting of: