Information System and Geographic Information System Tools in the Data Analyses of the Control Program for Visceral Leishmaniases from 2006 to 2010 in the Sanitary District of Venda Nova, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Lara Saraiva,José Dilermando Andrade Filho,Camila Gonçalves Leite,Vanessa de Oliveira Pires Fiúza,Luiz Otávio Alves de Carvalho,Fernanda Carvalho de Menezes

doi:10.1155/2012/254361

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to report a brief history of control actions for Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) from 2006 to 2010 in the Sanitary District (DS) of Venda Nova, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, focusing on the use of information systems and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The analyses showed that the use of an automated database allied with geoprocessing tools may favor control measures of VL, especially with regard to the evaluation of control actions carried out. Descriptive analyses of control measures allowed to evaluating that the information system and GIS tools promoted greater efficiency in making decisions and planning activities. These analyses also pointed to the necessity of new approaches to the control of VL in large urban centers.

Highlights

According to the classification of World Health Organization [1], leishmaniases are neglected diseases of great epidemiological importance, which require effective control measures
The aim of this paper is to report a brief history of control actions for Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) from 2006 to 2010 in the Sanitary District (DS) of Venda Nova, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, focusing on the use of information systems and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools
The analyses showed that the use of an automated database allied with geoprocessing tools may favor control measures of VL, especially with regard to the evaluation of control actions carried out

Summary

Introduction

According to the classification of World Health Organization [1], leishmaniases are neglected diseases of great epidemiological importance, which require effective control measures. They present potential to epidemic outbreaks because of their transmission by vector insects [2]. Leishmaniases affect more than 100 countries worldwide, with tropical or subtropical climate occurring zoonotic and anthroponotic cycles [2,3,4]. VL is a zoonotic disease spread worldwide and the highest concentration of cases (90%) occurs in six countries including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Brazil [5]

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Results