Health GIS training at BRTI to strengthens regional capacity in spatial analysis

 The Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) in Zimbabwe will host the course "Introduction to Health Geographic Information Systems (GIS)" from 20 to 24 October 2025, targeting public health professionals, epidemiologists, and researchers from the region.

Facilitated by Dr Daniela Koller from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich , this training is part of a 2–3-year initiative under the Southern Africa Research Capacity Network (SOFAR), aiming to build local capacity for future in-country delivery through a train-the-trainer approach.

This advanced module provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and applications of GIS in global health contexts. Participants will gain theoretical knowledge in health geography and spatial epidemiology, along with practical skills in GPS data collection, geospatial mapping, and statistical analysis using GIS software.

The course highlights the strategic role of spatial thinking in health systems research, planning, and policy, equipping participants to integrate GIS into activities such as surveillance, outbreak investigation, and effective resource allocation.