The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa has launched a new digital platform called the AFRO Geodatabase (AFRO GDB) to help countries make faster, smarter health decisions using verified data, according to a press release. The launch, held on GIS Day (19 November), marks a big step toward using geospatial data to improve health systems across Africa.
The AFRO Geodatabase brings together key health and administrative data—such as population numbers, facility locations, and boundary maps—into one regional hub. Countries can upload and manage their own official information while sharing it securely with others through digital links that allow systems to talk to each other. This makes it easier to compare, update, and analyze data across borders.
Kebba Touray, head of the WHO AFRO GIS Centre, said the platform will give governments and partners “one trusted source of truth” for planning and emergency response. It checks data quality automatically and shows what’s been updated, helping keep information accurate and consistent.
Ministry data managers and country GIS teams are already being trained to use the new tools. They’ll update population figures, boundary changes, and health facility lists to keep national maps current. These updates will make a big difference for programs like immunization and outbreak response, where quick access to reliable data can save lives.
The system also helps countries link maps with other health systems, making it easier to spot gaps, plan resources, and coordinate efforts. With this launch, WHO Africa is reinforcing its goal of helping countries use modern technology to deliver better, faster, and more coordinated health services for everyone.
