WHO has launched a new roadmap to strengthen the use of geographic information systems (GIS) for health across the WHO European Region. GIS technology has been an important tool for collating and visualizing data during the recent heatwaves and outbreaks of wildfires in the Region, providing actionable insights for public health professionals.
Specialists at the European Geospatial Coordination Hub, based at the WHO European Centre for Preparedness for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies in Istanbul, Türkiye, have leveraged GIS to create impactful heat maps and representations of wildfire trends across the Region, demonstrating just one example of how GIS can improve public health decision-making, emergency preparedness and equitable access to health services.
Geographic Information Systems for health in the WHO European Region: roadmap 2025–2030
The Roadmap, developed through the European Geospatial Coordination Hub, provides a shared vision for Member States and partners to expand the use of geospatial data to better understand where health needs are greatest, where services are available and where critical gaps remain.
The European Geospatial Coordination Hub is a regional platform that enhances existing and future GIS-related activities across the Region through inter- and intraregional coordination and strengthened GIS capacities and resources. By transforming spatial data into actionable intelligence, it strengthens the capacity of Member States to apply geospatial approaches across all areas of public health, from routine health system planning and equity analysis to preparedness and emergency response.
The Roadmap identifies five priority areas for action: strengthening governance and coordination; building the skills of the public health workforce; improving data management and interoperability; investing in software, tools and infrastructure; and promoting stronger collaboration across institutions and sectors.
Unlocking the full potential of GIS
GIS helps public health authorities answer critical questions: Which communities are furthest from health services? Where are disease risks emerging? How can vaccination, surveillance and emergency response teams be deployed more effectively?
By connecting health data with location-based information, GIS provides decision-makers with a clearer understanding of population needs and supports more effective planning and resource allocation.
Despite this progress, GIS capacity remains uneven across the Region. While some countries have advanced geospatial systems embedded in public health planning, others face challenges related to workforce capacity, data-sharing, interoperability, infrastructure and governance. Addressing these gaps is essential to unlocking the full potential of GIS to support evidence-informed decision-making and improve health outcomes.
A key feature of the Roadmap is its tiered implementation model, which recognizes that countries are starting from different levels of GIS readiness. This flexible model enables Member States to progressively strengthen their systems, from the establishment of foundational capacity to the more advanced integration of GIS into national health strategies, surveillance systems and emergency preparedness mechanisms.
Collaboration on public health priorities
Effective use of GIS for health requires strong links between health ministries, national public health institutes, statistical offices, mapping agencies, emergency management authorities, academia and international partners. By strengthening these partnerships, countries can improve data-sharing, reduce duplication and ensure that geospatial tools are used to address public health priorities.
“For Türkiye, the WHO European Region GIS Roadmap is an important step towards making geospatial intelligence a systematic part of public health decision-making,” said Dr Zeynep Ozguler, National Professional Officer at the WHO Country Office in Türkiye. “By bringing together surveillance, environmental, population and health system data, GIS can help turn information into timely action, from strengthening routine disease surveillance and detecting emerging outbreaks, to guiding preparedness, response and resource allocation during earthquakes, climate-related hazards and other health emergencies.”
Health systems are increasingly required to respond to complex and overlapping risks, including disease outbreaks, climate-related events, population displacement and growing pressures on health service delivery. GIS enables decision-makers to visualize risks, identify vulnerable populations, prioritize interventions, and monitor the reach and effectiveness of public health actions.
Looking ahead
By 2030, the Roadmap aims to support the development of a robust regional GIS ecosystem for health that strengthens evidence-based decision-making, improves resource allocation and contributes to more resilient, equitable and prepared health systems across the Region
The Roadmap was developed through regional collaboration and is part of WHO/Europe’s wider work to strengthen preparedness, health information systems and data-driven public health across the Region.