Exploring the dynamic complexity of risk factors for vector-borne infections in sub-Saharan Africa: Case of urban lymphatic filariasis

• Published in: Journal of biosafety and biosecurity Vol. 3; no. 1; pp. 17 - 21
• Main Authors: Zerbo, Alexandre, Castro Delgado, Rafael, Arcos González, Pedro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-06-2021; KeAi Communications Co., Ltd
• Subjects: Lymphatic filariasis; Sub-Saharan Africa; System dynamics; Urban areas; System dynamics; Urban areas; Lymphatic filariasis; Sub-Saharan Africa
• ISSN: 2588-9338; 2588-9338
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobb.2021.03.002

Dynamic complexity is often a characteristic of public health issues; to visualize these problems as a system rather than isolated elements, system dynamics modeling may be an appropriate tool.
The dynamic complexity of risk factors for lymphatic filariasis (LF) as an urban vector-borne disease has been addressed using system dynamics methodology. Some causal loop diagrams (CLDs) were designed to display the network of interactions of risk factors for urban transmission of LF and a potential set of public health interventions. A stock and flow diagram was also designed to capture the transmission dynamics as an accumulation and flow system, and a simulation model was built and executed.
The system dynamics (SD) methodology is suitable for addressing the dynamic complexity of risk factors for LF in urban settings and is well-suited for public health interventions.