Cognizant and Malaria No More have jointly launched ‘Malaria Mapathon’, a geospatial mapping initiative aimed at improving healthcare access and driving positive outcomes in the fight to end malaria.

The first phase of this initiative will focus on Odisha, the state with one of the highest incidences of malaria in India, specifically the hotspot districts of Koraput and Malkangiri, where over half of all malaria cases in Odisha occur.
 
As part of the ‘Malaria Mapathon’, Cognizant’s employee volunteers will use OpenStreetMap (OSM) to trace, edit and label key infrastructure and geography of the region, including streets, buildings, vegetation and water bodies.

Malaria No More India will overlay epidemiology and weather data on the geospatial map framework, which will then be used to identify disease hotspots and underserved communities, stratify the risk of transmission, improve surveillance and disease reporting and deliver targeted medical interventions, supplies and life-saving aids and tools.

“We are pleased to pledge our support and bring our technology and domain expertise to the fight against malaria,” said Rajesh Nambiar, Chairman and Managing Director, Cognizant India. “The ongoing pandemic has underscored the vital role played by technology and data in driving a robust healthcare response. No one should be left behind and vulnerable and at-risk communities need timely help, supplies and medical intervention. In Odisha, the huge gains made in the fight against malaria are at risk now, with the pandemic impeding access to critical health services. In partnership with Malaria No More, we are committed to helping Odisha in the battle to eradicate this deadly yet preventable disease.”