A GIS Data Model for Disease Surveillance and Monitoring

Despite the fact that Sub-Saharan Africa is a region characterised by high rates of several deadly diseases, there is relatively little consistent or reliable data that can be used for surveillance, monitoring and management of these diseases in the region. In order to alleviate the problem of patchy and inconsistent epidemiological data, a well structured, interoperable spatial data model for disease surveillance and monitoring is developed. This book reviews some of the existing health data models which were modified and extended to develop a data model for disease surveillance, monitoring, and management. The data model captures information required for the development of diseases surveillance systems. The model is developed using the Unified Modelling Language. The work aims to produce the model as an open standard in order to promote collaboration and encourage researchers in developing nations to contribute to the maintenance of the data model. The model is implemented in XML, and will be applied to a system using service oriented architecture with a focus on HIV/AIDS surveillance and monitoring in Nigeria.