What are Some Real-World Applications of GIS in Epidemiology?
GIS has been used in numerous epidemiological studies and public health initiatives around the world:
COVID-19 Tracking: During the COVID-19 pandemic, GIS was extensively used to map the spread of the virus, identify hotspots, and plan containment measures. Interactive dashboards provided real-time updates on case numbers and vaccination progress. Malaria Control: In malaria-endemic regions, GIS has been used to map mosquito breeding sites, monitor insecticide resistance, and target interventions more effectively. Cholera Outbreaks: GIS has been employed to track cholera outbreaks, identify sources of contamination, and plan distribution of clean water and sanitation facilities. Environmental Health Studies: GIS is used to study the impact of environmental factors, such as air pollution, on health outcomes like asthma and cardiovascular diseases.