Generating Spatial Demographic Data for Health in Africa

Spatial data at various policy relevant administrative units are fundamental to designing, implementing and evaluating health programs and interventions throughout low- and middle-income countries. Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, however, face unique challenges in developing and utilizing spatial data, potentially hampering the implementation of health Geographic Information Systems (GIS) infrastructure and research. In this chapter, we explore the use of spatial demographic data within the African context by firstly outlining the utilization of GIS and availability of spatial demographic data for Africa, followed by the evolution of methods and current approaches to estimating demographic data using ancillary data sources, as well as challenges unique to spatial demographic data. We then present five case studies highlighting innovative methods of production and use of freely available spatial demographic data to address policy needs and health challenges. Finally, we highlight emerging future directions in the production and improvement of spatial demographic data, followed by recommendations for enhancing spatial data infrastructures for health applications within low- and middle-income country settings.