Predicting the Future Evolution of TB in Malaysia: Arttificial Neural Networks Approach

In this paper, the ANN approach was applied to analyze TB incidence in Malaysia. The employed annual data covers the period 2000-2018 and the out-of-sample period ranges over the period 2019-2023. The residuals and forecast evaluation criteria (Error, MSE and MAE) of the applied model indicate that the model is stable in forecasting TB incidence in Malaysia. The model suggests that the incidence will drop slightly over the period 2019-2023. In order to contribute meaningfully to the national control strategy of a TB-free Malaysia, the government should, among other things, intensify TB surveillance and control programs.