Web-Based Spatial Immunize-able Disease Surveillance System for Nigeria

Abstract

The absence of spatial representation of health data often lead to poor decisions. Therefore, this paper introduces an ImDisease Surveillance System (IDSS) that can handle spatial health data using the web-based GIS capability. While ArcGIS was used to incorporate the GIS potentials; the WAMP (Window Apache MySQL and PHP) server was used to demonstrate the suitability of the system (application) to run on a local host as well as on the Internet. The health data used were randomly collected from local government areas and offices of the state ministry of health in Ekiti State as case study. Results from implementing the system showed that users were able to use the user interfaces to visualize various occurrences of immunize-able diseases; select the type of view they desired - either by local government or disease types; and graphically know the areas affected by diseases. These results - information when disseminated would assist in program planning and evaluation, and the formulation of research hypotheses for further research. We also believe that it will be useful in the deployment of health personnel and resources to address health related problems; and would also provide useful predictions.