Abstract
BackgroundGeographical Reconnaissance (GR) operations using Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have been conducted in the elimination provinces of Temotu, Solomon Islands and Tafea, Republic of Vanuatu. These operations aimed to examine modern approaches to GR to define the spatial distribution of target populations to support contemporary malaria elimination interventions.MethodsThree GR surveys were carried out covering the outer islands of Temotu Province (October - November, 2008); Santa Cruz Island, Temotu Province (February 2009) and Tanna Island, Tafea Province (July - September 2009). Integrated PDA/GPS handheld units were used in the field to rapidly map and enumerate households, and collect associated population and household structure data to support priority elimination interventions, including bed net distribution, indoor residual spraying (IRS) and malaria case surveillance. Data were uploaded and analysed in customized Geographic Information System (GIS) databases to produce household distribution maps and generate relevant summary information pertaining to the GR operations. Following completion of field operations, group discussions were also conducted to review GR approaches and technology implemented.Results10,459 households were geo-referenced and mapped. A population of 43,497 and 30,663 household structures were recorded during the three GR surveys. The spatial distribution of the population was concentrated in coastal village clusters. Survey operations were completed over a combined total of 77 field days covering a total land mass area of approximately 1103.2 km2. An average of 45 households, 118 structures and a population of 184 people were recorded per handheld device per day. Geo-spatial household distribution maps were also produced immediately following the completion of GR fieldwork. An overall high acceptability of modern GR techniques and technology was observed by both field operations staff and communities.ConclusionGR implemented using modern techniques has provided an effective and efficient operational tool for rapidly defining the spatial distribution of target populations in designated malaria elimination zones in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The data generated are being used for the strategic implementation and scaling-up of priority interventions, and will be essential for establishing future surveillance using spatial decision support systems.
Highlights
Geographical Reconnaissance (GR) operations using Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have been conducted in the elimination provinces of Temotu, Solomon Islands and Tafea, Republic of Vanuatu
Technical difficulties arose in GR operation 2 Santa Cruz, Temotu Province, where one PDA malfunctioned in a remote region and could not be repaired for Operation Zone Total Population Total Populated Households Total Households Total Structures
To guide elimination interventions in these regions the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programmes (NVBDCP) of both countries highlighted a need for the collection of reliable, accurate and programme-specific data at a household level; as relevant geospatial census data was unavailable at the level of precision required for the designated target elimination areas
Summary
Geographical Reconnaissance (GR) operations using Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have been conducted in the elimination provinces of Temotu, Solomon Islands and Tafea, Republic of Vanuatu These operations aimed to examine modern approaches to GR to define the spatial distribution of target populations to support contemporary malaria elimination interventions. As malaria control operations intensify and an increasing number of national programmes move towards the goal of elimination, the scaling-up of interventions, such as indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticidal bed nets (LLIN), are essential. As these interventions are rolled out, so will the need to adopt effective and practical operational tools for the coordination, monitoring and surveillance of key activities within target areas. GR can be used to define as accurately as possible the geographical limits of malaria epidemics especially foci and assess epidemic potential [7,8]
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