Infectious disease modeling is essential because it enables us to: 1. Predict the Spread: Models can forecast how quickly a disease will spread in a population, helping to allocate resources effectively. 2. Evaluate Interventions: By simulating different intervention strategies such as vaccination or quarantine, models help determine the most effective measures. 3. Understand Dynamics: These models provide insights into the dynamics of disease transmission, including how factors like contact rates and immunity levels affect the epidemic curve.