A Geographic Information System Working Group
Dedicated to Support Global COVID19 Vaccinations

The GIS Working Group for COVAX Innovation is a joint effort of WHO and UNICEF born out of the COVAX Innovation Working Group. Since its inception in January 2021, The Working Group has provided global coordination and technical guidance and support for the use of geospatial data and technologies in support of vaccination microplanning (“geo-enabled microplanning”)  for COVID-19 response, one of the areas of digital innovation identified as a priority by the COVAX Innovation Working Group. The Working Group operates as a global-level coordination effort involving core partners+  and a direct country advisory effort through WHO and UNICEF structures. While working to support COVID-19 response efforts in the near term, the Working Group's mission is also to facilitate sustained geo-enabling of integrated microplanning of COVID-19, routine immunization, and other Primary Health Care programs.

Geo-enabled microplanning involves the application of geospatial data and technologies, including geographic​ information systems (GIS), to support the planning and monitoring of last-mile service delivery at the local level (health facility and district level). The geo-enabling of microplans, largely driven by experience learned​ in microplanning for polio, has shown considerable impact on immunization programme coverage, reach, accountability and efficiency. Using spatial data on the location of populations, health resources, and​ the surrounding environment in a GIS environment, geo-enabled microplanning can support programs ensure all populations are​ accounted for, identify gaps in population equitable access to care, and optimize planning for outreach​ activities to ensure equitability and reach of services. Given the cross-sectoral nature of the data​ involved, investment in geo-enabled microplanning also holds significant potential to strengthen health systems and improve coordination across programmes, such as EPI, surveillance, broader PHC, and​ community health systems.