Manjoo-Docrat, RAbdelatif, NHolloway, Jennifer PDudeni-Tlhone, NontembekoDresselhaus, CMbayise, EJanse van Rensburg, CFabris-Rotelli, IDebba, PraveshMakhanya, S2025-07-072025-07-0720252405-8440https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e43171http://hdl.handle.net/10204/14278Objectives: This study aims to address the heterogeneity among different age groups in terms of their susceptibility to and transmissibility of infectious diseases. It also seeks to understand how spatial disparities affect disease spread and local population responses to emerging and re- emerging infectious diseases (EIDs and REIDs). Design/Methods: We developed a spatial age-stratified SEIR model using COVID-19 hospitalisation data from South Africa, focusing on the first two waves of the pandemic. This model incorporates contact matrices and demographic data to capture age-dependent and spatial variations in disease dynamics. Results: The spatial age-stratified model produced more biologically plausible and accurate predictions compared to non-stratified models investigated. It highlighted significant differences in COVID-19 risk and transmission across different age groups and regions, offering insights into targeted intervention strategies. Conclusions: The proposed model demonstrates the importance of considering both age and spatial heterogeneity in mathematical models for infectious disease prediction. It provides a valuable tool for governments and public health officials, particularly in resource-limited settings, to develop more effective and targeted interventions. This model can be adapted for other EIDs and REIDs with similar dynamics, enhancing preparedness and response strategies.FulltextenInfectious diseasesCOVID-19 hospitalisation dataCOVID-19 risksArticleN/A