A Geographic Information System Working Group
Dedicated to Support Global COVID19 Vaccinations
Dedicated to Support Global COVID19 Vaccinations
WHO WE ARE
The GIS Working Group for COVAX Innovation is a joint effort of WHO and UNICEF born out of the COVAX Innovation Working Group. Since its inception in January 2021, The Working Group has provided global coordination and technical guidance and support for the use of geospatial data and technologies in support of vaccination microplanning (“geo-enabled microplanning”) for COVID-19 response, one of the areas of digital innovation identified as a priority by the COVAX Innovation Working Group. The Working Group operates as a global-level coordination effort involving core partners+ and a direct country advisory effort through WHO and UNICEF structures. While working to support COVID-19 response efforts in the near term, the Working Group's mission is also to facilitate sustained geo-enabling of integrated microplanning of COVID-19, routine immunization, and other Primary Health Care programs.
WHAT WE DO
Technical Assistance
to Countries
Support identification of support needs and assessment of geo-enabling environment
Support creation of informed costed work plans and fundraising of activities through review of technical documents
Advise on technical solutions and providers, and support contracting
Alignment of deployment with geo-enabling environment principles
Global Coordination
Facilitate coordination between donors and in-country partners to align existing capacities and activities
Coordinate and align efforts between donors and development partners on COVAX geospatial efforts
Strengthen availability of geospatial “global goods” for geo-enabled microplanning
Technical advice to bilateral and multilateral donors
Knowledge Exchange
and Dissemintation
Monthly Community of Practice
Development of technical guidance
and tools for planning, costing, and implementationGlobal and regional information webinars
GEO-ENABLED MICROPLANNING
Geo-enabled microplanning involves the application of geospatial data and technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS), to support the planning and monitoring of last-mile service delivery at the local level (health facility and district level). The geo-enabling of microplans, largely driven by experience learned in microplanning for polio, has shown considerable impact on immunization programme coverage, reach, accountability and efficiency. Using spatial data on the location of populations, health resources, and the surrounding environment in a GIS environment, geo-enabled microplanning can support programs ensure all populations are accounted for, identify gaps in population equitable access to care, and optimize planning for outreach activities to ensure equitability and reach of services. Given the cross-sectoral nature of the data involved, investment in geo-enabled microplanning also holds significant potential to strengthen health systems and improve coordination across programmes, such as EPI, surveillance, broader PHC, and community health systems.
PARTNERS
The WHO & UNICEF GIS Working Group for COVAX Innovation is working under the auspices of the COVID Digital Health Centre of Excellence (DICE). The multi-agency COVID-19 Digital Health Center of Excellence (DICE) is co-led by UNICEF and WHO to provide coordinated technical assistance to national governments and partners on COVID-19 vaccine delivery.