Journal
GEOSPATIAL HEALTH
Volume 6, Issue 2, Pages 195-203Publisher
UNIV NAPLES FEDERICO II
DOI: 10.4081/gh.2012.137
Keywords
geographical information system; remote sensing; spatio-temporal epidemiology; Google Earth; real-time surveillance; early-warning system; schistosomiasis; People's Republic of China
Funding
- National Natural Science Foundation of P.R. China [81101275]
- Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu province [BS2010153]
- Public Health Department of Jiangsu province [RC2011094]
- Chinese Important Scientific Research Project on Infectious Diseases [2008ZX10004-011]
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO [A70530]
- National S T [2007BAC03A02]
- Shanghai S T [11XD1405400]
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A basic framework for the rapid assessment of the risk for schistosomiasis was developed by combining spatial data from Google Earth (R) with a geographical information system (GIS) package, bundling the modules together with an Internet connection into a WebGIS platform. It operates through functions such as search, evaluation, risk analysis and prediction and is primarily aimed to be a dynamic, early-warning system (EWS) providing user-friendly, evidence-based, near real-time awareness of the status of an important endemic disease. It contributes to rapid information-sharing at all levels of decision-making, facilitating point-of-care response, i.e. treatment provided at newly discovered transmission sites. The experience using the platform is encouraging and it has the potential to improve support systems and strengthen schistosomiasis control activities, in particular with regard to surveillance and EWS. It can quickly and intuitively locate early, high-risk areas, retrieve all important data needed as well as provide detailed, up-to-date information on the performance of the control programme. This WebGIS, the first of its kind in the People's Republic of China, is not only applicable for schistosomiasis but can easily be adapted for improving control of any endemic disease in any geographical area.
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