Geospatial Intelligence For Health: Advanced Qgis Training Course For Immunization Professionals

Introduction

In today's data-driven health sector, particularly within critical Polio Eradication and Routine Immunization Programs, the ability to effectively visualize and analyze geographical data is paramount. This comprehensive training course is specifically designed for professionals like Technical M&E Officers (Data Management) seeking to master QGIS from foundational concepts to advanced spatial analysis techniques. You will gain the proficiency needed to transform health and immunization data into powerful visual insights, enabling more informed planning, targeted interventions, and enhanced monitoring of program performance across geographical landscapes. This QGIS training course will empower you to leverage the full potential of geospatial technology to strengthen polio eradication and routine immunization efforts.

This intensive, hands-on QGIS training course provides instruction, meticulously structured to address the specific needs of individuals working with health program data. We will move beyond basic mapping to delve into advanced spatial analysis, geovisualization, and data integration techniques directly applicable to your work in polio eradication and routine immunization. Through practical exercises and real-world scenarios, you will learn to manage coordinate systems, symbolize health data, identify high-risk areas, track disease prevalence, analyze coverage gaps, and create compelling visualizations for reports and presentations. This QGIS training course is your pathway to becoming a proficient user, capable of unlocking critical spatial insights to optimize your contributions to public health initiatives.

Target Audience

• Technical M&E Officers (Data Management) in Health Sector
• Polio Eradication Program Staff
• Routine Immunization Program Personnel
• Public Health Analysts
• GIS Specialists in Health Organizations
• Health Program Managers
• Data Managers in NGOs and Government Health Agencies

Course Objectives

• Master the principles of coordinate systems and projection management within QGIS (WGS84, UTM, EPSG codes).
• Load, symbolize, and label vector layers (shapefiles) representing provinces, districts, and health facility clusters.
• Effectively map and label various types of health facilities (CHC, SHC, BHC, DH, etc.) based on their attributes.
• Identify and visualize high and low vaccination coverage areas at different administrative levels (clusters, districts, provinces).
• Pinpoint and visually represent areas with low PCM (Protein-Calorie Malnutrition) performance using spatial data.
• Map and analyze high-risk clusters based on factors like population mobility, accessibility constraints, and historical case data.
• Visualize and analyze data related to zero-dose children, missed children, and reasons for refusal of vaccination.
• Track the geographical distribution and trends of AFP (Acute Flaccid Paralysis)/polio cases across various administrative levels.
• Compare and contrast campaign-based immunization data with routine immunization coverage using GIS layers.
• Analyze and map vaccine wastage rates at provincial and district levels to identify areas for improvement.
• Create and analyze buffer zones around health facilities to understand service coverage areas.
• Map and analyze access to health services using road network data and terrain information.
• Perform population mapping and catchment area analysis using raster and polygon data layers.

Duration

10 Days

Course content

Module 1: QGIS Fundamentals and Spatial Data Basics

• Introduction to QGIS interface, navigation, and basic tools for your module.
• Understanding different types of geospatial data (vector, raster) and their applications in health.
• Working with coordinate reference systems (CRS) and projection management (WGS84, UTM, EPSG).
• Loading and displaying various spatial data formats (shapefiles, GeoJSON, raster).
• Basic map navigation, zooming, panning, and identifying features.

Module 2: Working with Vector Data: Symbology and Labeling for Health Data

• Styling vector layers using different symbology options (single symbol, categorized, graduated) for your module.
• Mapping health facilities by type (CHC, SHC, BHC, DH) using unique symbols and colors.
• Labeling map features effectively using attributes like facility names and coverage rates.
• Applying rule-based symbology for advanced visualization of health indicators.
• Managing label properties for optimal readability and information display.

Module 3: Data Integration and Joining: Linking Health Statistics with GIS

• Understanding the principles of attribute joins based on unique identifiers for your module.
• Joining data from Excel (.xlsx) and CSV files with spatial layers (e.g., linking immunization data to districts).
• Troubleshooting common issues with data joins and ensuring data integrity.
• Exploring different join types (one-to-one, one-to-many) and their implications.
• Managing attribute tables and performing basic data editing.

Module 4: Data Filtering, Querying, and Thematic Mapping for Health Analysis

• Selecting and filtering features based on attribute values (e.g., selecting districts with low coverage) for your module.
• Performing spatial queries to identify features based on their geographic relationships.
• Creating thematic maps (choropleth maps) to visualize health data distributions (e.g., vaccination coverage by district).
• Customizing thematic map classifications and color ramps for effective communication.
• Applying expressions for advanced data filtering and thematic mapping.

Module 5: Advanced Labeling and Dynamic Visualization for Health Reporting

• Utilizing dynamic labeling techniques based on expressions to display relevant information contextually for your module.
• Implementing conditional formatting for labels based on attribute values (e.g., highlighting low coverage areas).
• Managing label placement rules to avoid overlap and ensure clarity.
• Creating callouts and leader lines for improved label readability.
• Applying advanced labeling options for complex map layouts.

Module 6: Temporal Data Visualization for Health Program Monitoring

• Understanding how to visualize data that changes over time (e.g., campaign rounds, seasonal disease patterns) for your module.
• Utilizing time manager plugins and other techniques for temporal data exploration.
• Creating animated maps to show the evolution of health indicators over time.
• Applying time-based filtering and querying to analyze trends.
• Visualizing temporal patterns in disease outbreaks and intervention coverage.

Module 7: Dashboard and Layout Design for Health Reports and Presentations

• Designing effective map layouts for reports and presentations, including map elements (scale bar, north arrow, legend) for your module.
• Integrating charts, tables, and other visual elements into map layouts.
• Exporting high-quality maps in various formats (PDF, image) for dissemination.
• Understanding the principles of effective dashboard design for monitoring health program indicators.
• Utilizing QGIS layout manager for creating professional and informative outputs.

Module 8: Integrating Field Data and Mobile GIS for Health Programs

• Understanding how to integrate GPS data collected during field activities (e.g., FMV movement, outreach) into QGIS for your module.
• Working with data collected using mobile GIS applications (ONA, ODK, KoboCollect).
• Visualizing and analyzing field data to monitor program implementation.
• Georeferencing scanned maps and imagery for integration with field data.
• Understanding data synchronization and management workflows for mobile GIS.

Module 9: Spatial Statistics and Interpolation for Health Data Analysis

• Performing basic spatial statistics (e.g., calculating area, distance) for health-related features for your module.
• Creating heatmap visualizations to identify areas with high concentrations of health events or low coverage.
• Applying density analysis techniques to understand spatial patterns.
• Exploring interpolation methods (e.g., Inverse Distance Weighting) to estimate values in unsampled areas.
• Interpreting the results of spatial statistical analysis for informed decision-making.

Module 10: Working with Raster Data: Population Mapping and Accessibility Analysis

• Loading and visualizing raster data, such as population density maps and terrain models, for your module.
• Performing raster calculations and analysis for population mapping and catchment analysis.
• Using terrain data to analyze accessibility to health facilities (e.g., slope, elevation).
• Integrating road network data to assess travel time and distance to services.
• Combining vector and raster data for comprehensive accessibility analysis.

Module 11: Advanced Geoprocessing and Spatial Analysis for Health Applications

• Utilizing geoprocessing tools for tasks like buffering, clipping, and merging spatial layers relevant to health analysis for your module.
• Performing overlay analysis to combine different spatial datasets (e.g., identifying high-risk areas with low coverage).
• Conducting network analysis to optimize service delivery routes and identify underserved populations.
• Exploring advanced spatial statistics techniques for cluster detection and spatial autocorrelation.
• Applying геоаналитические workflows to address specific health program questions.

Module 12: Automating QGIS Tasks and Enhancing Workflow Efficiency

• Introduction to QGIS expressions for automating data manipulation and visualization tasks for your module.
• Exploring the use of QGIS Processing Framework for batch processing and workflow automation.
• Understanding the basics of Python scripting in QGIS for advanced automation (optional).
• Utilizing QGIS plugins to extend functionality and streamline workflows.
• Developing efficient and reproducible QGIS workflows for routine health data analysis.

Module 13: Project-Based Learning and Real-World Health Data Application

• Applying the learned QGIS skills to analyze real-world health and immunization datasets relevant to polio eradication and routine immunization programs for your module.
• Working on practical exercises and case studies that mirror your daily tasks.
• Developing a final project that demonstrates your proficiency in using QGIS for health data visualization and analysis.
• Receiving feedback and guidance on your project from experienced instructors.
• Building a portfolio of QGIS skills applicable to your role as a Technical M&E Officer.

Module 14: Advanced Mapping Techniques and Cartographic Design for Health Communication

• Mastering advanced cartographic principles for creating clear, informative, and visually appealing health maps for your module.
• Utilizing advanced label placement rules and conflict resolution techniques.
• Incorporating thematic elements and map annotations effectively.
• Designing maps for different audiences and communication purposes (reports, presentations).
• Understanding color theory and its application in health data visualization.

Module 15: Integrating External Data Sources and Web Mapping for Health Information Sharing

• Connecting QGIS to external data sources (e.g., web services, databases) for real-time data integration for your module.
• Exploring the basics of web mapping and creating interactive web maps for sharing health information.
• Utilizing QGIS plugins for publishing maps to web platforms.
• Understanding data security and privacy considerations when sharing health data online.
• Exploring the potential of web GIS for collaborative health data analysis and visualization.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.