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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Public Health and Epidemiology

The explosive availability of open source health data offers new opportunities to analyse and monitor trends in disease. It also opens new pathways to assess how effectively health systems can address these trends. Epidemiologists, health professionals and policymakers increasingly utilise new analytical techniques and software to process and analyse the growing volumes of high resolution health data.

Start
15/04/2026
Duration
2 weeks
Course Period
from15/04/2026 until 01/05/2026
Location
KIT Amsterdam
EC
3
Language
English

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide tools for planning and monitoring of health interventions and disease control activities to improve health care delivery and utilisation. In this course you will learn how to use GIS to identify patterns of disease in time and place and to assess public access to health care services. Emphasis will also be given to geo-visualise health management information for advocacy purposes and to monitor and evaluate programme performance. Case studies and lectures will address a wide range of infectious diseases, including neglected tropical diseases, water-borne diseases and sexually transmitted infections.  

Content

This course aims to provide health professionals with a solid understanding and hands-on practice allowing them to use GIS in their daily work. The increasing use of open source software solutions in professional settings provides a free, yet perfectly viable alternative to commercial software. This course uses Free and Open Source Software solutions to allow course participants to bring their skills into practice without depending on commercial packages.

In both weeks guest speakers are invited to present applications of the use of GIS in disease control programmes and research projects.

First week

The first week will focus on learning basic GIS theory and functions. Emphasis will be given to develop basic software operating skills and understanding of analytical approaches to analyze spatial data.

Topics include

  • Basic GIS theory and principles including spatial data formats
  • Introduction to QGIS 3.x software package
  • Spatial data management
  • Using online data repositories and data extraction from cloud databases (e.g. DHIS2)
  • Data visualization and cartographic concepts
  • Using geographic coordinate reference systems
  • Introduction to essential geoprocessing functions

Second week

The second week of the course will provide the opportunity to apply and extend the GIS skills that have been learned in the first week into a public health context. The course will address specific problems in the field of planning and evaluating disease control programmes and space-time analyses of health data.

Topics include:

  • Spatial analysis of geographic patterns of disease: point pattern analysis and geographic cluster analysis
  • Geographic access analysis: quantifying health service coverage
  • Spatial Multi Criteria Risk Analysis using the MATCH approach
  • Digital (spatial) data-collection using ODK software system

The course will use the following open source and freely available software packages:

 

For me, the blended learning method and everyday practice of producing maps was the most interesting part of the GIS short course at KIT. The tutors always guided and helped us during the learning process. I am so happy to have the QGIS knowledge and skills.
Barra Renita from Indonesia followed the GIS as part of the Master's programme. Working for Jhpiego Indonesia

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Application

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Admission criteria

  • A degree in public health or international health: BSc, MSc or equivalent academic training
    A basic knowledge of epidemiology and principles of social research
  • At least 3 years of professional experience, preferably working at a national level in low and middle income countries
  • Proven proficiency in spoken and written English

Application procedure

The application package is due two months before the start of the course.

Please upload your application online. The following documents should be uploaded:

  • A one-page letter of motivation
  • Copies of your diplomas and grade reports
  • An up-to-date curriculum vitae and a list of publications if applicable

What we expect from your motivation letter:

Please indicate in your motivation letter why you want to follow this specific course, why you want to follow the course at KIT Amsterdam, what do you expect to learn and how you will apply your newly gained competencies from the course in your work, what kind of benefits will it bring to your future career, etc. Describe a relevant problem you have experienced in the last two years that you would like to discuss during this specific course. Your motivation should be about ½-1 page. Please do not repeat your CV again.

This course can be taken on its own, or as advanced module of the Master of Public Health (MPH)  or Master in International Health (MIH) programme.

The instructors were extremely knowledgeable and helpful in trouble shooting

Practical information

Location

Classes are held at KIT’s training facilities in Amsterdam.

Accommodation

There is a severe shortage of student accommodation in Amsterdam and participants are advised to contact KIT for information. KIT will endeavour to assist participants in their search for housing.

Visa requirements

Citizens of most EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries do not need a visa to enter the Netherlands. Visit the Nuffic website for the latest information on visa requirements.

Participants from other countries must obtain a short-stay visa (for up to three months) through the Netherlands embassy or consulate covering the applicant’s country. Applicants will need a letter of admission to the course and proof of sponsorship or sufficient funds to cover the course fee, travel and accommodation costs. Applicants should take into account that in some countries this procedure can take several months.

European Credit

The European Credit Transfer System (EC) facilitates the transfer of course credits between different institutions of the same academic level. A course comprising 28 hours of formal teaching and private study is equivalent to one EC credit point.

Insurance requirements

Course participants and accompanying dependents are required by Dutch law to have health, accident and third party insurance. Unless their current insurance policy covers their stay abroad, participants must insure themselves and their dependents in the Netherlands. Dutch insurance companies offer reasonable rates to foreign students. KIT can assist with arranging insurance.

Accreditation

This course is also accredited for the Master in International Health programme organised by tropEd, a network of European institutions for higher education in international health.

The course is highly applicable and provides hands on practice.

Funding

The arrangement of financial support to cover all study costs is the responsibility of the applicant. KIT does not offer financial support or scholarships.

Scholarship information

Discounts and Fees

We offer a range of discounts for early bird applicants, alumni, tropEd students and groups. See below the discounts and fees for the course on GIS for Global Health. See for more information about our discounts for groups and other short courses on our exclusive discount page.

Regular course fee€1.980,-Start date: 15-04-2026
Early bird fee€1.584,-Paid before: 15-12-2025
Alumni discount€1.584,-
tropEd fee€1.782,-

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FAQ Online Application System

Do you have a question about our Online Application System? Then you can find the answer in our FAQ Online Application System:

Related

  • Centre for Applied Spatial Epidemiology

    The Centre for Applied Spatial Epidemiology (CASE) supports health professionals to make data-informed decisions. CASE provides unique geographic analysis of health data and new opportunities for health professionals to understand and learn from local variations in disease. That means that Governments and NGOs can prioritise health care interventions where they are needed most.

  • The KIT MATCH Approach for Enhancing TB Care Coverage

    KIT Institute proudly presents: the MATCH approach (Mapping and Analysis for Tailored disease Control and Health system strengthening) for National Tuberculosis Programmes. MATCH supports National Tuberculosis Programmes to more effectively use resources to treat populations with ongoing tuberculosis transmission.

Why Study at KIT Institute?

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  • Innovative and current perspectives
    on global and public health challenges
  • Strong focus on real-world, practice-
    oriented learning
  • Interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration
  • Dynamic and interactive teaching methods
  • Development of professional and personal competencies
  • Opportunities to build a strong international network
  • Participants from diverse backgrounds and countries
  • Personalised academic guidance
    and support
  • Courses led by experienced and expert professionals
  • Officially accredited by NVAO
  • Recognised and positively
    reviewed by tropEd
  • KIT Institute: An international
    centre of excellence in global
    health and development

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Course Brochure 2026

Welcome to KIT Institute, where tradition meets innovation in global health education. Our Master of Public Health and Health Equity programmes and short courses equip professionals to tackle health challenges and disparities. Join our vibrant community in Amsterdam and help advance health equity worldwide.

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