By Winnie Kamau
Women in GIS Kenya, a non-profit organization, has published a new interactive map at ward level to identify Kenya’s high-risk Covid-19 populations.
Understanding the spatial dynamics of populations at the grid level can be important for emergency response and resource allocation. High and low-risk regions were identified by integrating GIS grid-based and multi-criteria analysis to provide information about high-risk Covid-19 populations across the country.
The map displays the risk profile of Nairobi’s population most at risk to severe complications if they contract COVID-19 due to the socioeconomic factors considered in the model.
Individual and transmission risk factors such as population density, household size, smoking population, mode of transport, access to water and handwashing and the elderly population were incorporated. A spatially weighted index model was then implemented for developing a risk assessment model.
For a disease impacting people globally, hyper-local information on risk factors, vulnerable populations and the best means to reach them may transform the pandemic response. The risk profile further exposes the breadth of social and economic inequities.
The map clearly displays slum areas such as Kwa Njenga, Kwa Reuben, Viwandani, Imara Daima as the highest risk areas in Nairobi County. Social distancing, self-isolation, and handwashing are impossible luxuries in these areas.
Strategic partnerships and well-coordinated efforts by the public, private and non-governmental sectors will play a key role in providing safety nets to the most vulnerable populations during this pandemic
