In collaboration with the MAMOD consortium and the MAP, the MAMODEX team co-delivered a geospatial modelling training in Naivasha during the quarter. The programme convened 60 participants across the region, National Malaria Control Programmes (NMCPs) officers from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, alongside graduate students from academic institutions (KIUT, MKU, CEMA-UoN) and research institutions (KEMRI).

From 27th - 30th April 2026, a team of researchers and public health professionals participated in the workshop “Geospatial Evidence for Malaria Policy and Programme Planning”, hosted by MKU and facilitated by MAP in Naivasha, Kenya. The four-day workshop brought together policymakers, GIS analysts, malaria experts, and modelling partners to explore how geospatial evidence can strengthen malaria control strategies and improve decision-making across countries.

Malaria remains one of East Africa’s most pressing public health challenges, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities and placing significant pressure on health systems. Addressing this burden requires more than routine interventions it requires evidence-driven planning that ensures resources reach the populations and locations where they are needed most.

Throughout the workshop, participants explored how geospatial modelling can transform malaria policy and programme planning. Sessions focused on malaria risk mapping, spatial analysis, surveillance systems, stratification approaches, and translating complex data into practical public health action.

One key lesson that emerged was the importance of data quality. High-quality and well-governed data systems are essential for understanding malaria transmission patterns, identifying hotspots, and supporting targeted interventions. Discussions highlighted that malaria transmission is not uniform across regions, reinforcing the need for sub-national approaches rather than relying solely on national averages.

The workshop also emphasized that maps are not simply visual tools they are decision-support instruments. Participants learned how geospatial modelling can strengthen intervention targeting, improve accessibility analysis, support retrospective evaluation of programmes, and guide cost-effective malaria investments.

An important discussion focused on the hidden challenge of asymptomatic malaria infections. While many malaria programmes rely heavily on symptomatic cases reported through health systems, asymptomatic individuals can continue sustaining transmission within communities. Integrating these dynamics into modelling approaches may strengthen future intervention planning and disease control strategies.

Collaboration emerged as another major theme. Effective malaria planning depends on strong partnerships among governments, researchers, data scientists, and development partners. No single institution can independently address the complexity of malaria surveillance and response.

The final day shifted attention from learning to action. Participating institutions identified priority research questions and implementation areas that could contribute to future malaria programming and funding narratives.

As part of this commitment, different institutions selected strategic focus areas to address:

What is the impact of shifting the RTS, S/ R21 vaccine dose from 24 to 18 months and how is this cost effective. - CEMA & Swiss TPH

Understanding how climate variability and geographic conditions influence malaria intervention targeting and resource allocation. - KIUT

Investigating how health-seeking behaviour and cultural practices affect malaria intervention utilization through Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) research. -KIUT

Cost effective vector intervention combinations for optimal burden reduction. – MKU

How is insecticide resistance evolving spatially and temporally, and how does it reduce intervention effectiveness? - KEMRI

These priorities reflect a growing recognition that malaria control is shaped not only by epidemiological factors, but also by human behaviour, climate patterns, and local contexts. The workshop reinforced an important message: “effective malaria control requires science, collaboration, and evidence translated into action”.

As countries continue working toward malaria reduction and elimination goals, geospatial evidence will play an increasingly important role in ensuring interventions are smarter, more equitable, and more impactful.

"All models are wrong, but some models are useful." This reflection from the workshop captured a central lesson while models may never perfectly represent reality, but when built on quality data and used thoughtfully, they become powerful tools for saving lives.

The knowledge gained in Naivasha will continue informing MAMODEX contribution to evidence-driven malaria programming, strengthening efforts to build healthier communities through data-informed decision-making.