Location-based technology company, MapIT has unveiled geo-spatial technology that charts demographic trends, to assist in the fight against HIV/Aids.
Using a product called MarketScope, the software enables members of the Compass Project to chart, in map format, the spread of HIV/Aids in relation to population counts, and determine what services are lacking in a specific community.
The project is currently being run in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and is manned by the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD), in Gauteng.
The FPD works closely with the Department of Health and the South African National Aids Council (SANAC), and has also turned to technology to curb the spread of HIV/Aids. It uses software that collates statistics received from fieldworkers, and processes it to yield a map of HIV service provision. It also aims to test 15 million sexually active individuals in SA by the end of 2011.
medical services, and allows rapid identification of areas where resources are most needed, as well as identification of service zones that may be duplicated.
Additionally, members of the public are able to search for an HIV testing facility that's close to them, and get directions using the interactive Web mapping page.
An annual report, titled: “The state of HIV/Aids in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality”, indicated that although progress has been made using the software, orphans and children with HIV/Aids are still not being properly cared for, and although there is a high prevalence of antiretroviral treatment in the area, some people are still not receiving treatment.
“MapIT is pleased to be able to use location-based technology beyond its commercial uses,“ says Etienne Louw, MD of MapIT.
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