Introduction
Mapping leprosy patients or at-risk populations can be an important first step in identifying priority areas for targeted interventions and monitoring and evaluating leprosy control programmes. A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system designed to capture, analyse, manage and present all types of data that are linked to geographical locations. GIS can be used to study the spatial distribution of leprosy patients and the relationship with environmental factors, and to identify hot spots (high transmission areas) areas needing special and intensified interventions. Moreover, GIS can be used to design appropriate interventions, for monitoring, planning and evaluation to improve programme performance and to increase access to care. By creating this dossier we want to emphasize on the importance of the use of GIS in leprosy control.
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