Abstract:
Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping software provides powerful tools
for management and analysis of infectious diseases. The use of this technology can be
tailored to suit a wide range of applications. This chapter, a summary of research, aims
at designing and developing a mapping and tracking system for Trachoma patients
within Kajiado County. The system is intended to: improve the collection and reporting
of aggregated health data of Trachoma patients through mobile technologies; identify
specific locations vulnerable to Trachoma within Kajiado County; identify congregate
groups targeted for preventive measures of Trachoma disease; and create maps to help
stakeholders to establish the location of the patients within Kajiado County. This study
was based on the Susceptible Infected Recovered (SIR) model. The research design used
was experimental and the system methodology used was evolutionary prototyping. Data
was collected using face–to–face interviews and document analysis from Bissil, Mile 46,
Kitengela and Isinya which were used to test the system. Cross case analysis was used to
analyse the data within the areas. The android operating system and Java programming
were used to develop the user interface for capturing the data by the community health
workers through the use of a GIS– enabled phone. Google map application was used to
identify the locations of the patient on a map. Visual Basic.net programming language
was used to generate the reports to be used by the African Medical and Research
Foundation (AMREF) coordinators to make decisions and deliver medical services.
Based on the findings of the study, the use of GIS–enabled mobile phones led to a
reduction in the spread of Trachoma and facilitated quick identification of locations/
households of Trachoma prevalence areas. The chapter concludes by recommending the
development of a GIS cloud mobile data collection system for web and mobile devices
which would allow collection of Trachoma patient data in real time mode.