On 21 November 2022, Malawi Liverpool Wellcome (MLW) Programme’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team, under the Population and Health Research theme, joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day.

Secondary school students from Zingwangwa, Stella Maris and Ndirande Hill Secondary Schools were part of the celebrations that took place at MLW’s Blantyre premises.

MLW’s Geospatial Analyst Blessings Chiepa said apart from celebrating technology, the event was utilised to showcase available GIS technologies in the health sector and inspire up-and-coming geospatial scientists.

He said, “We have enlightened people on how GIS technology is being utilised in different sectors including health, and we have also inspired the students by exposing them to various career opportunities falling under geography.”

Ndirande Hill Secondary School Fayina Kilembe said she learnt the importance of geography and how it can be applied to various fields during the event.

A student from Zingangwa Secondary School Sellah Mlenga said, “I have learnt how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is used to map breeding grounds for various diseases as well as how such a technology is used to address the problems.”

Mlenga said she now has an interest in pursuing the use of GIS technologies to address rising cases of cancer after her secondary education.

This year’s GIS day at MLW has been commemorated under the theme “Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to improve public health delivery in Malawi.”