Researchers from the ESAH research group are being trained in the use of QGIS software

Group photo at the end of the training course

The CSRS’s ESA research cluster (Animal Health, Human Health and Environmental Health) held, from 30 June to 1 July 2026, a training workshop entitled ‘QGIS for Spatial Health Research’ for students and researchers within the cluster, as well as participants from other universities and public institutions in Côte d’Ivoire, thereby fostering interdisciplinary exchanges on approaches to spatial epidemiology.

Held over two days in the Norbert Béhi Room at the CSRS, this practical training session enabled participants to discover the fundamentals of geographic information systems (GIS) through the use of QGIS, a leading open-source software package for the management, analysis and visualisation of spatial data.

At a time when georeferenced data is playing an increasingly important role in disease surveillance, health system planning and decision-making, this workshop aimed to address a genuine need to strengthen local capacity in the field of spatial epidemiology and public health research.

During the various sessions, participants learnt how to integrate and manipulate spatial data, carry out basic geographical analyses and produce maps of scientific quality for use in research, technical reports and academic presentations. The practical exercises, based on real-world datasets, enabled participants to gain hands-on experience with the tools and methods presented.

The workshop brought together a diverse audience comprising, in particular, Master’s and PhD students, researchers, research assistants, public health professionals, epidemiologists and specialists interested in the application of geospatial tools to health issues.

At the end of the training session, participants were presented with their certificates of attendance by the trainer, Mr Max Yang, from Stanford University, USA, and Mr Kpon Roger, Head of the TSI-CSRS department, who was representing the Director-General of the CSRS on this occasion, Prof. Jérémie ZOUEU, their certificates of attendance.

Through this initiative, the CSRS reaffirms its commitment to developing the scientific and technical skills of researchers and students with a view to addressing public health challenges in Côte d’Ivoire and the sub-region.