Integration of Remote Sensing and GIS for Early Warning Systems of Malaria Epidemics in Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria is among the most important issues of public health in Nigeria since it has a considerable level of morbidity and
mortality, especially in the rural and under-served areas. Malaria transmission is complex and it requires the development
of effective surveillance and early warning due to the effect of climatic, environmental, and socio-economic factors. This
paper examines how the Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) could be integrated to create
an early warning system to forecast and track malaria outbreaks in Nigeria. Environmental variables derived by satellite
like land surface temperature, rainfall, vegetation index and the proximity to stagnant water bodies were compared with
epidemiological data to identify the spatial and temporal malaria risk patterns. Spatial modeling with the help of GIS
allowed defining the areas of high risk and the time when the transmission may be more intense. The results bring out the
potential of RS and GIS in the proactive control of malaria, resource distribution, and the reinforcement of national disease
surveillance systems. The research proposes that geospatial technologies have to be institutionalized in the malaria control
programs in Nigeria with the aim of advancing decision-making and enhancing the resilience of the population to health