Vol. 16, No. 3	September 1995

Geographical Information Systems in Epidemiology (SIG-Epi) are computerized systems that enable the visualization, handling, integration and analysis of geographically referenced health information and are used for mapping the health situation and epidemiological risk profiles.

In order to strengthen them in the countries of the Region, the Health Situation Analysis Program, Division of Health and Human Development of PAHO is pursuing the following objectives:

• To support the development of the SIG-Epi for its utilization in health situation analysis, including also operational applications for use in health planning at the local, regional and national levels;

• To provide technical assistance in the creation and use of epidemiologically important databases for the integration of SIG-Epi, in the epidemiological analysis of georeferenciada information and in the selection of "hardware" and "software" that one makes conform to the needs of institutions and health programs and,

• To promote and conduct workshops, courses and scientific meetings on Epi-GIS at the national and regional levels

Training of health personnel in Epi-GIS; development of cartographic and epidemiological databases; the digitalización of priority geographical areas; the production of thematic maps; the dissemination of results of geo-epidemiological analysis and the direct advisory services in SIG-Epi.

* Further detail in this topic will be included in the next issues of the Epidemiological Bulletin

For more information contact:

Program for Health Situation Analysis
Division of Health and Human Development
Pan American Health Organization
525 23rd Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
Telephone: (202) 861-3327
Fax: (202) 861-5230

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