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MALARIA RISK MAPPING
A symposium on the application of geographical information systems in the study of vector-borne diseases
December 7th 2006, Utrecht
Summary:
The use of geographical information systems offers new possibilities to study the spread of infectious diseases. Two prominent researchers will speak on this subject, taking as an example one of the most important infectious diseases: malaria.
Geography as a science has undergone rapid development over the last 10 years thanks to new technologies such as remote sensing and global positioning systems. These facilities are now becoming more readily available for health scientists through user-friendly software and training courses. The topographical spread of diseases has been under investigation since the birth of epidemiology. More recently, various infectious diseases, including malaria, have been extensively mapped.
The influence of ecological variables such as altitude, ambient temperature, rainfall, vegetation and population density on the prevalence of infectious disease can be mapped by geographical information systems (GIS), as can that of dynamic processes, such as climate change (global warming, El Niņo), cultivation and urbanisation. These data can be used amongst others in early warning systems for epidemics.
The purpose of this symposium was to bring GIS to the attention of young health scientists, taking one of the largest infectious diseases, malaria, as an example. Dr. Willem Takken (Medical and Veterinary Entomologist, Laboratory of Entomology, University Wageningen) spoke on local diversity in the prevalence of malaria in western Kenya and Dr. ir. Ron van Lammeren (Associate Professor Geo-information Science, Laboratory of Geo-Information Science and Remote Sensing, Wageningen University) spoke on geographical variables which can explain such diversity.
Relevant links:
Geo data:
Elevation data (SRTM): http://srtm.csi.cgiar.org/
Satellite images (MODIS): http://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/
Aerial pictures (DMSP): http://heasarc.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/archive.html
Landscape metrics software:
Fragstats: http://www.umass.edu/landeco/research/fragstats/fragstats.html
GIS-research, training & courses:
WUR-CGI:http://www.geo-informatie.nl/
NASA-RS: http://rst.gsfc.nasa.gov/
Malaria & GIS research:
MARA: http://www.mara.org.za/eshaw.htm
MAP: http://www.map.ox.ac.uk/MAP_data.html
This symposium was organised by Uniting Streams, as part of the Workgroup on Tour series.
For more information please contact:
ir Egil A. J. Fischer
Erasmus MC
PO box 2040
3000DR Rotterdam
The Netherlands
Tel. +31-10-4638465
E-mail: e.a.j.fischer@erasmusmc.nl
