Guatemala Joins Regional Efforts to Advance Geospatial Analysis for Epidemic Intelligence

Washington D.C., September 26, 2025 (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) continues to advance efforts to strengthen regional preparedness and the capacity to detect and respond to emerging health threats, within the framework of the Epidemic Intelligence Strategy to enhance early warning for health emergencies (2024-2029).

In support of Action Line 2 of the Strategy, aimed at developing technical capacities, PAHO has undertaken several initiatives to promote the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In this regard, from September 2-4, a joint virtual training was held with Guatemala's Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS), focused on strengthening technical skills in the use of QGIS, an open-source software widely used internationally for geospatial data analysis. These tools improve information management and enhance the health system's ability to respond to emergencies.

The intermediate/advanced-level training was delivered by the Health Emergency Information and Risk Assessment (HIM) team of PAHO's Health Emergencies Department, with a practical approach based on data from the Guatemalan context. Participants included MSPAS professionals from key areas such as epidemiological surveillance, information processing, preparedness and response, risk prevention, and mental health surveillance.

During the training, participants explored advanced management of vector and raster layers. Key topics included geospatial calculation and visualization of incidences, the use of high-resolution population layers, analysis of satellite climate data, and process automation within the application.

Participants particularly valued the practical applicability of the course and its direct contribution to their daily work. One participant noted: "This is a completely new topic for me and it will be very useful,"*while another highlighted "the tool's ease of use and versatility." They also emphasized the usefulness of the knowledge acquired for risk mapping, georeferencing public health information-including health services and disease cases-and integrating automated processes that optimize geospatial analysis across MSPAS departments. Several participants also pointed out that "the examples and processing options" were a fundamental resource for strengthening their capacities.

The adoption of open-source digital tools such as QGIS enables more accurate and timely territorial analysis, resulting in better-targeted interventions and more efficient information management during critical public health situations. In this way, initiatives like this represent a significant step forward in the modernization of health systems in the Region of the Americas.