Mapping Health for Better Outcomes: SOFAR Equips Researchers with GIS Skills

To strengthen research capacity across Southern Africa Southern Africa Research Capacity Network (SOFAR) recently concluded an intensive Health Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Training, which took place from 8–11 June 2026, at Zambart.

Funded by the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP3) and the European Union, SOFAR supports emerging researchers through mentorship, fellowships, training opportunities, and collaborative learning platforms. By investing in research skills development, the network aims to strengthen scientific leadership and foster sustainable research capacity throughout Southern Africa.

Health GIS has become an increasingly important tool in public health, enabling researchers and policymakers to visualise, analyse, and interpret health data within a geographical context. From tracking disease outbreaks and identifying high-risk populations to improving healthcare planning and resource allocation, GIS plays a critical role in supporting data-driven health interventions.

During the 4 day training, participants were introduced to the fundamental principles of health geography and spatial epidemiology and gained hands-on experience in spatial data processing, analysis, and visualisation. The training equipped participants with practical skills in spatial analysis, disease mapping, and data-driven decision-making for public health.

The course was facilitated by Prof. Dr. Daniela Koller, an experienced researcher and educator in spatial epidemiology based at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Klinikum. Throughout the training, participants explored how geographic information can be used to better understand disease patterns, monitor public health trends, and inform effective healthcare responses.

Through initiatives such as this training, SOFAR is helping to build a new generation of researchers equipped to harness data, inform policy, and contribute to improved health outcomes.

Zambart Research is one of the three Southern African research institutions that form part of the SOFAR Consortium, alongside the Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS) in Mozambique and the Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) in Zimbabwe. The consortium also includes international partners, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), working together to advance health research and strengthen research capacity across the region.