THE USE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM(GIS) TECHNOLOGY IN MITIGATING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 WITHIN UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY: UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN MODEL

Abstract

Intro: Spatial spread remains a major characteristic of epidemic diseases. Tracking and curtailing such spatial spread require the availability and assessment of real-time information and analysis. We adopted the use of community engagement and the deployment of a web-based ArcGIS technology platform in the prevention of the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) in a university setting in southwestern Nigeria. Methods: The University COVID-19 Emergency Response and Research Committee inaugurated task force and supervisory teams which were made up of academic and non-teaching staff. They were trained on the use of the GIS technology for field COVID-19 related data capturing and reporting using ArcGISweb-base-camp–link https://arcg.is/0PWDiW0. The University community was divided into five (5) major locations, namely; Faculties, Institutes, Hall of Residence, Religious Centres, and Others. These locations were further geographically delineated into 15 cluster datasets curated from the Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX) which were monitored by one or two taskforce members based on the size of the assigned cluster. Findings: Assessment of the back-end server of the ArcGIS showed that the faculty division had the highest report submission (41.42%). Real-time information for compliance and contravention of COVID-19 guidelines and protocols within the University Community showed that the level of compliance was higher than the non-compliance in the availability of a clean environment, observation of physical and social distancing, use of Face Masks, availability and use of Hand-washing Facilities, available designated officers, availability of adequate waste bins and regular collection and disposals, adequate and regular water supply, and presence of well-placed COVID-19 advertorials. The level of compliance was lower than the non-compliance in the provision of proper ventilation, temperature screening, Alcohol-based Sanitizer, and Knowledge of signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Conclusion: This report provides the importance of real-time and accurate surveillance data coupled with community engagement in effectively mitigating the spread of COVID-19 a global pandemic.