The LSU WHOCC History, Terms of Reference, and Mission

World Health Organization Terms of Reference for the LSU WHOCC

1. To collaborate in the development of surveillance of problems of Public Health & Veterinary Public Health concern using remote sensing & geographic information systems.

2. To conduct ground studies & surveys supporting the remote identification & mapping of diseases, vector foci, & other health related conditions.

3. To assist PAHO/WHO in developing programs on the use of epidemiological surveillance for the control of foodborne zoonoses & other health-related conditions.

4. To collaborate in developing new strategies for the early detection & prevention of zoonoses.

5. To prepare training materials for developing countries on the application of new surveillance systems.

6. To provide technical cooperation with PAHO/WHO in the field applications of surveillance systems that will ensure the efficient delivery of disease control & health related services, & the optimal use of surveillance.

© LSU WHOCC 2005

The History

The LSU WHOCC was established in 1991 by Dr. Martin Hugh-Jones and is a part of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.  Since 2004, the lab has been directed by Dr. Andrew Curtis, an assistant professor in Geography and an adjunct in Pathobiological Sciences.  The LSU WHOCC aims to expand the goals and capabilities of GISc applications to public health and epidemiology.  The lab has always been and continues to be active in GIS education, training, research, publication, and application to public health and human/veterinary epidemiology.

LSU WHOCC Mission Statement

 

- To apply Geographic technologies and techniques to Public Health problems, whether they be local, regional, national or international in nature.

- To provide Geographic Information Science (GISc) training and guidance to those in health related fields.

- To promote the use of GISc in Public Health

- To advance GISc in association with Public Health through research initiatives with scientists and public health workers at other institutions.

- To promote and advance quantitative, geospatial modeling and mapping techniques with special applications to public health questions.