# SIR-RL: Reinforcement Learning for Optimized Policy Control during Epidemiological Outbreaks in Emerging Market and Developing Economies

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.08423 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.08423/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Placed in RL for clinical treatment and surgery, one of 15 directions in Deep reinforcement learning methods.
- Builds on 4 of its 63 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 12 Apr 2024.

## Placed in

- Deep reinforcement learning methods / [RL for clinical treatment and surgery](https://mlsanity.com/deeprl/rl-for-clinical-treatment-and-surgery/)

## Builds on (most cited first, 4 of 4)

- [Deep Reinforcement Learning that Matters](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1709.06560/) (2017)
- [A Brief Survey of Deep Reinforcement Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1708.05866/) (2017)
- [An Introduction to Deep Reinforcement Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1811.12560/) (2018)
- [A general framework for optimising cost-effectiveness of pandemic response under partial intervention measures](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2205.08996/) (2022)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Controlling dynamics of stochastic systems with deep reinforcement learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.18111/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The outbreak of COVID-19 has highlighted the intricate interplay between public health and economic stability on a global scale. This study proposes a novel reinforcement learning framework designed to optimize health and economic outcomes during pandemics. The framework leverages the SIR model, integrating both lockdown measures (via a stringency index) and vaccination strategies to simulate disease dynamics. The stringency index, indicative of the severity of lockdown measures, influences both the spread of the disease and the economic health of a country. Developing nations, which bear a disproportionate economic burden under stringent lockdowns, are the primary focus of our study. By implementing reinforcement learning, we aim to optimize governmental responses and strike a balance between the competing costs associated with public health and economic stability. This approach also enhances transparency in governmental decision-making by establishing a well-defined reward function for the reinforcement learning agent. In essence, this study introduces an innovative and ethical strategy to navigate the challenge of balancing public health and economic stability amidst infectious disease outbreaks.