The Parasitology Department, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Health GeoLab Collaborative (HGLC), and Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) collaborated on the first training workshop on the “Introduction to Geospatial Data Management and Technologies for Malaria Programs” last March 25 to 28, 2019 at Crimson Hotel, Alabang. This was a hands-on training course for government health professionals as part of a geo-enabling program for information systems for malaria elimination.

The participants learned about the concepts and processes behind the making of good thematic maps, and the use of the open-source software GPS Essentials, GeoODK, and QGIS for geospatial data collection and mapping. The Philippines’ National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) presented geospatial data from their agency (Geo-Portal Philippines). This activity was made possible through the UK GCRF Global Impact Accelerator Account (GIAA) for the realization of impact of the RITM-LSHTM Newton Fund project ENSURE: Enhanced surveillance for control and elimination of malaria in the Philippines.

Thirty-two (32) participants from seven countries participated: Malaysia, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.  Local participants were from the Departments of Parasitology and Medical Entomology; local research collaborators and stakeholders:  DoH’s Epidemiology Bureau, regional (MIMAROPA) and provincial epidemiology units (Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Bataan), WHO Representative office Philippinesfor DoH NMP, Municipalities of Rizal, Bataraza, and Brooke’s, Palawan; Puerto Princesa City; Kilusang Ligtas Malarya, Palawan State University, and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development. Their attendance to the course was supported by LSHTM and the Asia-Pacific Malaria Elimination Network (APMEN).

by Malou Macalinao, Parasitology