Use of geographic information systems web mapping application to support active case search to guide public health and social measures in the context of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe: a preliminary report to guide replication of methods in similar resource settings

Development of a Consolidated Health Facility Masterlist Using Data From Polio Electronic Surveillance in the World Health Organization African Region

Geospatial data reporting from surveillance and immunization efforts is a key aspect of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Polio Eradication Initiative in Africa. These activities are coordinated through the WHO Regional Office for Africa Geographic Information Systems Centre. To ensure the accuracy of field-collected data, the WHO Regional Office for Africa Geographic Information Systems Centre has developed mobile phone apps such as electronic surveillance (eSURV) and integrated supportive supervision (ISS) geospatial data collection programs. While eSURV and ISS have played a vital role in efforts to eradicate polio and control other communicable diseases in Africa, disease surveillance efforts have been hampered by incomplete and inaccurate listings of health care sites throughout the continent. To address this shortcoming, data compiled from eSURV and ISS are being used to develop, update, and validate a Health Facility master list for the WHO African region that contains comprehensive listings of the names, locations, and types of health facilities in each member state. The WHO and Ministry of Health field officers are responsible for documenting and transmitting the relevant geospatial location information regarding health facilities and traditional medicine sites using the eSURV and ISS form; this information is then used to update the Health Facility master list and is also made available to national ministries of health to update their respective health facility lists. This consolidation of health facility information into a single registry is expected to improve disease surveillance and facilitate epidemiologic research for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, as well as aid public health efforts directed at other diseases across the African continent. This review examines active surveillance using eSURV at the district, country, and regional levels, highlighting its role in supporting polio surveillance and immunization efforts, as well as its potential to serve as a fundamental basis for broader public health initiatives and research throughout Africa.

Africa's spatial data science landscape in the context of covid-19 pandemic

The emergence of Covid-19 pandemic in late 2019 presented daunting challenges for designing and implementing sustainable solutions at both local and global levels. The situation was dire in many developing economies with limited resources and vulnerable healthcare systems especially in Africa. Spatial data science (SDS) can be adopted and utilized to assist countries and local communities in understanding and effectively responding to Covid-19 pandemic. This article's study reviewed recent literature with the main goal to assess the application of this data-driven and technology-oriented modern approach in addressing Covid-19 in the African continent. Findings indicate that while examples of applications involving traditional geospatial technologies especially geographic information systems are abound, the use of more advanced SDS elements is limited and fragmented. Additionally, various studies leveraged SDS to address one or more complex questions against the backdrop of challenges largely influenced by the digital divide within Africa and across the globe. The article identifies and discusses these challenges as well as opportunities for increased use of SDS in Africa to understand and respond to disasters like Covid-19 and other complex problems. The argument is made for a more complete use of multiple elements of SDS.