Patrick Mangomi is a bright young doctor working in the Vanga Health Zone. The zone's chief medical officer, Dr. Musiti (left in photo, with Antoine Lumonakiese), has given him the task of pulling together a presentation on the state of health in the zone for the upcoming board meeting. About a month ago, we started discussing how geographical information systems (systems that link information to particular geographical features like health center areas) could help the zone increase its ability to analyze and report on public health issues. This is something new in Congo, limited to only the big agencies. It is an exciting new tool, but most rural health zones haven't even heard of it let alone had a chance to use it.
At ACDI we have been slowly moving toward integrating extension and research information and geographical information, in the hopes of being able to evaluate with more confidence the impact of Lusekele's extension work with farmers. Integrating statistics on health and well-being of farm families in the areas where we work is a logical next step. So I have a selfish reason for encouraging the Dr. Musiti, Dr. Mangomi and their colleagues to take and interest in mapping health information.
But the most exciting thing about this budding collaboration is seeing the creativity of Dr. Mangomi begin to bubble. In my office this morning, he popped question after question about what a good geographical database can do for the zone and more importantly for the people who live here. Right now ost of the questions have to do with mapping statistics, but he is already galloping ahead to figuring out how to organize data so that it slips easily into the system. I can't wait to see how this develops as ideas ferment and mature.
1 comment:
There is a new Freebie Kid on the block. Check out www.mapwindow.org
This is an exciting tool. There is a free downloadable textbook also.
jd
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