Khadijah Aliyu-Nigeria
A data expert at the South African National Space Agency, Naledzani Mudau, has highlighted the growing importance of geospatial data and Earth observation in improving health decision-making across Africa.
Dr. Mudau, who also serves as Co-Chair of the AfriGEO Health Initiative, spoke during a One Health webinar organized by Galien Africa and REMAPSEN.
Satellite Data Key to Improving Health in Africa-Stakeholders
She noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in understanding population distribution and access to health services, particularly in rapidly changing and underserved communities.
According to her, geospatial technologies, including satellite imagery, played a vital role in mapping human settlements, identifying the location of health facilities, and detecting informal communities often excluded from official planning systems.
“This allowed us to better understand where people live and whether they have access to essential health services,” she said.
Dr. Mudau explained that Earth observation data has since become a key tool in supporting health planning and response across the continent.
She highlighted that Africa now has access to a wide range of geospatial datasets from global platforms such as the United States Geological Survey and the Copernicus Programme, which provide critical insights into population distribution, environmental conditions, and land use patterns.
Africa’s Health Security in Focus as Senegal Drives One Health Agenda
By integrating satellite data with health and climate information, she said governments can better predict disease outbreaks, identify high-risk areas, and plan targeted interventions.
She cited examples where geospatial tools are being used to monitor heatwaves, identify vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, and support early warning systems.
In addition, the technology is helping track air pollution exposure, including nitrogen dioxide emissions linked to respiratory diseases.
Dr. Mudau added that combining geospatial data with other indicators such as infectious disease trends, vaccination coverage, and food security enables more precise and effective public health responses.
“These integrated systems help decision-makers prioritize areas that need urgent intervention,” she said.
She further noted that initiatives under AfriGEO are promoting the use of Earth observation in One Health by organizing webinars, training programs, and annual symposiums that bring together researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
According to her, building capacity among health professionals to use geospatial tools is essential for strengthening Africa’s response to health, environmental, and climate-related challenges.
She emphasized that leveraging satellite data and geospatial technologies will be critical in advancing the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health systems.