Events
INSIGHTS : Connecting Communities to Healthcare with Digital Mapping
In the 27th episode of the Insight Webinar, titled “Connecting Communities to Healthcare with Digital Mapping,” experts and stakeholders dissected how geospatial technology is transforming access to healthcare services. The webinar showcased innovative digital mapping tools that enhance healthcare delivery by identifying underserved areas, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring equitable access to medical facilities.
During the discussion, panelists highlighted the impact of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in addressing healthcare disparities. They revealed that by visualizing healthcare data within a geographic context, digital mapping enables stakeholders to identify service gaps, allocate resources more effectively, and reach populations often overlooked by traditional healthcare systems. For example, panelists noted that technology has been instrumental in mapping underserved areas in rural communities, allowing governments and NGOs to establish mobile clinics and other healthcare interventions strategically.
Panelists also revealed that GIS has guided vaccination campaigns in conflict-affected regions of Sub-Saharan Africa while ensuring immunization coverage in hard-to-reach areas. Similarly, GIS tracking tools have consistently illustrated how digital tools help pinpoint health disparities in growing cities, ensuring equitable access for vulnerable populations. The webinar exposed the audience to the role of geospatial technology in pandemic response, drawing examples of its use in tracking COVID-19 hotspots and optimizing vaccine distribution.
The webinar concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the role of partnerships and investments in scaling these innovations. Participants emphasized the need for collaboration between public health organizations, technology providers, and local communities to accelerate the adoption of geospatial tools. They also stressed the importance of capacity-building initiatives to empower local health workers to use these technologies effectively.
Moderator:
Tijesu Ojumu – Communications Coordinator, eHealth Africa
Panelists;
Marc Levy – Executive Director, GRID3
Oluwatosin Ilesanmi – Associate Manager, Geographic Information Systems, eHeath Africa
Dahiru Mohammed Hassan – Data Team Lead, National Emergency Operation Centre
