A mathematical model for HIV and hepatitis C co-infection and its assessment from a statistical perspective

► We propose a model for HIV and HCV co-infection for injecting drug users. ► We present statistical concepts and methods to assess the mathematical model. ► The model considers biological complexities in the transmission of HCV and HIV. ► The methods are applied to data from a longitudinal study of heroin users in Italy. ► Sharing syringes rates and transmission probabilities rates play a major role.