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Using a geographical information system to plan a malaria control programme in South Africa
M Booman1, D N Durrheim, K La Grange
1Malaria Control Programme, Mpumalanga Department of Health, Nelspruit, South Africa.
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|February 24, 2001
Summary
A new geographical information system (GIS) improved malaria surveillance in South Africa. This system allows for targeted malaria control measures, enhancing efficiency in Mpumalanga province.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Geographic Information Systems
Background:
- Malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa faces challenges due to limited resources and competing health priorities like the AIDS epidemic.
- Traditional malaria surveillance in Mpumalanga, South Africa, lacked granular data, hindering effective planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement a geographical information system (GIS) for malaria surveillance to improve the mapping of control activities.
- To overcome limitations of previous surveillance systems by providing village-level risk data.
Main Methods:
- Overhauled the malaria notification system and implemented a GIS.
- Introduced simplified, malaria-specific notification forms and a monitored system to ensure data quality.
Main Results:
- The GIS effectively displays malaria cases at the village or town level.
- Identified a significant malaria risk gradient towards the Mozambican border in high-risk districts (Barberton and Nkomazi).
- Facilitated the development of a targeted malaria control strategy.
Conclusions:
- The GIS proved invaluable for visualizing malaria risk at local levels.
- Tailoring malaria control interventions to specific endemic strata enhances efficiency in Mpumalanga province.