Evidence-Based approach to decision making: the inclusion of GIS as part of Ghana's health information systems

Abstract

At the Global Ministerial Forum on Research for Health held in Bamako, Mali, 17-19 November 2008, ministers from 59 countries adopted a call to action on research for health. One of the adopted measures was “To harness the potential of research by drawing on new sciences, emerging technologies and social and technological innovations to address priority health challenges”. Indeed, in the attempt to address health problems and prioritization of health services and resource allocation, there is the need for health information systems to support the decision-making process. One such system and technology draws on the importance of geographic location in health and disease, which is strongly emphasized by the classic public health triad of man, agent and environment. Interactions within this triad can change with time, allowing geography to play a major role in understanding the dynamics of health, and the causes and spread of disease.