In resource-limited settings like Malawi, there is a growing burden of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and HIV co-infections. Innovative and replicable research approaches are urgently needed to better understand disease patterns and their social determinants. Spatial epidemiology plays an important role in increasing our understanding of the geographical distribution of diseases as well as in the planning of resources to tackle these diseases. By properly understanding geographical variations in the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, HIV-co-infections and HIV-related diseases, policymakers and researchers can efficiently prioritize the allocation of resources to areas with poor treatment outcomes or disproportionally increased risk of the disease.

COURSE SUMMARY

This course emphasizes on developing core practical skills in using QGIS and R software as applied to disease mapping. We use a longitudinal approach of supporting and supervising research projects developed by course participants. Course participants will be mentored and supported for 18 months as they develop their projects up to manuscript writing. High performing participants will be selected for further mentorship to become potential local mentors for junior researchers interested in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) applications in disease epidemiology.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this one-week course, participants will be able to;

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  Have a thorough knowledge of the QGIS interface and its functionality.
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  Explain fundamental characteristics of geographical data.
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  Competently use QGIS and R for visualizing and mapping spatial data.
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  Identify research questions that can be answered using GIS tools.

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