Updated fine-scale location data for Blantyre district collected using a low-cost approach

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Accurate residential location data is vital for public health interventions but often scarce and costly to obtain.
• Blantyre district, Malawi, faced a prolonged cholera outbreak (March 2022-August 2023), highlighting the need for precise geographical data.
• Resource-limited settings present unique challenges in collecting up-to-date spatial information for health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To employ and evaluate low-cost methods for mapping residential areas in Blantyre district, Malawi.
• To generate crucial spatial data for understanding health factors and planning interventions, particularly during disease outbreaks.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of cost-effective geolocation strategies in resource-constrained environments.

Main Methods:

• Trained data collectors using KoBo Toolbox for data collection.
• Engaged local Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) and motorcycle operators for precise location identification.
• Validated mapped data with stakeholders from the Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) and Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme (MLW).

Main Results:

• Successfully mapped 764 residential locations, including hard-to-reach areas.
• Demonstrated rapid and effective mapping capabilities using trained local personnel and accessible technology.
• Calculated associated costs based on standard research program rates, confirming cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• Accurate geolocation is critical for effective public health research and targeted interventions.
• Low-cost mapping methods, utilizing local resources and tools like KoBo Toolbox, are feasible and effective in resource-limited settings.
• The study provides valuable spatial data and a scalable model for public health mapping globally.