2009-2011 GEO Health SBA Tasks

Pai-Yei Whung, Session Chair

12th Science and Technology Committee MeetingWashington, DC14 November 2009

*GEO Health Social Benefit AreaGEO is working with the health community to improve the flow of user-friendly environmental data.

Comprehensive data sets support prevention, early warning, research, health-care planning and delivery, and timely public alerts.

*GEO Health TasksHE-09-01: Information Systems for HealthHE-09-02: Monitoring and Prediction Systems for HealthHE-09-02a: Monitoring and Prediction of Aerosol Impacts on Health and EnvironmentHE-09-02b: Air Quality Observations, Forecasting and Public InformationHE-09-02c: Global Monitoring Plan for Persistent Organic PollutantsHE-09-02d: Global Monitoring Plan for Atmospheric MercuryHE-09-03: End-to-End Projects for HealthHE-09-03a: Implementation of Meningitis Decision-Support ToolHE-09-03b: Implementation of a Malaria Early Warning SystemHE-09-03c: Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Health: Decision Support Tools and Research

*HE-09-01: Information Systems for HealthEmily FirthBackgroundTo improve predictive and decision support tools for human diseases with environmental drivers (e.g., malaria, meningitis, heat-related illness), more extensive, validated observation and epidemiological data are needed.

*HE-09-01: Information Systems for HealthGoalsImprove in-situ environmental and health data collection for the utilization and validation of remotely sensed data.Explore how GEOSS will support the collection and distribution of information and meet the diverse needs of the health community.Support further development of a global public health information network database to improve health decision-making at the international, regional, country, and district levels.Interface WHOs Global Health Observatory with other health and environmental systems and the GEO GEOSS Common Infrastructure (GCI).

*HE-09-01: Information Systems for HealthScience and TechnologyWHO is developing the Global Health Observatory to help health practitioners, scientists, and others find models, risk factors, and research outputs for specific diseases. Health and Environment module provides access to data from WHO and other organizations on diseases with environmental risk factors. Goal is to assess and validate decision support tools assess and validate those being developed, working toward standardized assessment tools.

*http://extranet.who.int/gho/

*HE-09-02: Monitoring and Prediction Systems for Health

GoalsSupport the development of operational health-related applications.Connect established and emerging cross-cutting Earth-observation systems to health monitoring and prediction systems.

*HE-09-02a. Monitoring and Prediction of Aerosol Impacts on Health and Environment Leonard BarrieNASA image by Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team, Goddard Space Flight Center.

*HE-09-02a. Monitoring and Prediction of Aerosol Impacts on Health and Environment BackgroundSand and dust aerosols can travel hundreds or thousands of miles, carrying fine particles, spores, bacteria, viruses, and persistent organic pollutants. Health impacts can include respiratory and cardiovascular illness, eye infections, and in some regions, diseases such as meningitis and valley fever. An estimated 300,000 premature deaths worldwide may result from long-range transport of PM2.5 in sand and dust aerosols (Mauzerall, 2008).

*HE-09-02a. Monitoring and Prediction of Aerosol Impacts on Health and EnvironmentGoalsImprove sand and dust storm forecasting and observation technology through coordinated international research and assessment. Integrate satellite and surface-based observations of aerosols, through a partnership of environmental agencies, meteorological services, satellite agencies, and others.Develop a community of forecast centers to forecast sand and dust storms on a regional basis, delivering standardized products to the health community and the public.

*HE-09-02a. Monitoring and Prediction of Aerosol Impacts on Health and Environment

Science and TechnologyWMO has established the Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Alert System (SDS-WAS), an international partnership of research and operational experts and users to help countries forecast and predict sand and dust storms and deliver information to users. Web-based portal (www.wmo.int/sdswas) for user access to regional research and forecast activities and services.Regional node for Asia and North Africa/Europe/ Middle East.

*HE-09-02a. Monitoring and Prediction of Aerosol Impacts on Health and EnvironmentFuture Directions/Resource NeedsFunding support needed to bring together researchers and users for regular scientific exchange, demonstration, and training. Crucial for developing and implementing effective, realistic modeling and forecasting tools.

*HE-09-02b. Air Quality Observations, Forecasting, and Public Information Phil Dickerson

*HE-09-02b. Air Quality Observations, Forecasting, and Public InformationGoalsEnable worldwide sharing of air quality observations and forecasts to help researchers and decision-makers.Provide the public with near real-time information and forecasts about air quality.

*HE-09-02b. Air Quality Observations, Forecasting, and Public InformationScience and Technology

U.S. AIRNow systemProvides local air quality conditions and forecasts, based on an index of five air pollutants.300 cities provide air quality forecasts.4,000 monitors provide real-time data. Redesigned as AIRNow-InternationalMultiple language support and worldwide mapping capability. Uses open components that can be adopted by any state, country, or province. AIRNow International pilot partnership between the U.S. EPA and Shanghai currently under way.

*Administrationof theSystemAIRNowDataManagement System (DMS)

AIRNow Information Service

AIRNow Mapper

Web ServiceAIRNow DatabaseWeb Services*Data Inputs Processing, QA, Reporting Outputs*Outputs will conform to standards to promote sharing and interoperability AIRNow-International

*HE-09-02b. Air Quality Observations, Forecasting, and Public InformationAIRNow and GEOSSAIRNow will use GEOSS observations and modelsCurrent: Partners produce forecastsFuture: need for operationally useful satellite AQ dataAir pollution does not respect political boundariesAIRNow will provide GEOSS with observationsAIRNow-International will be designed to make data available to other providers, compliant with GEOSS standards

*HE-09-02b. Air Quality Observations, Forecasting, and Public InformationFuture Directions/Resource NeedsIntegrate satellite data (NASA, NOAA) with ground observations Develop AIRNow for Central America (better monitoring infrastructure required).Develop exceptional event services (for fires, etc.real-time particulate counts).

*HE-09-02c. Global Monitoring Plan for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)Fatoumata Keita Ouane and Katarina Magulova

*HE-09-02c. Global Monitoring Plan for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)BackgroundStockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants adopted baseline levels of POPs in ambient air and human milk (May 2009).Global monitoring plan needed to evaluate treatys effectiveness.Identify changes in levels over time Provide information on regional and global environmental transport.

*HE-09-02c. Global Monitoring Plan for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)GoalsImplement global monitoring plan to track changes in POPs levels in humans and the environment.Interlink existing and emerging systems for monitoring air, water, ice caps, and human health.

*HE-09-02c. Global Monitoring Plan for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Science and TechnologyInvestigation of sampling and analytical methods for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and its salts (newly listed by the Stockholm Convention). Analytical methodology for PFOS in human breast milkSampling and analysis method for airFive regional monitoring reports for 12 POPs in ambient air and human milk or blood, 1998-2008, available at www.pops.int

*HE-09-02c. Global Monitoring Plan for Persistent Organic PollutantsFuture Directions/Resource Needs

Building database of information from disparate sourcesNeed to solve problem of data compatibility

*HE-09-02d. Global Monitoring Plan for Atmospheric MercuryNicola Pirrone

*HE-09-02d. Global Monitoring Plan for Atmospheric MercuryGoalsDevelop global observation system by harmonizing SOPs for monitoring mercury.Share data to better understand temporal and spatial patterns of mercury transport and deposition.Validate regional and global atmospheric mercury models for use in evaluating policy options.

*HE-09-02d. Global Monitoring Plan for Atmospheric Mercury

Science and TechnologyGlobal Atmospheric Mercury Monitoring Programme (GAMMP) anticipated to begin in late 2010.25 to 40 mercury monitoring sites around the world.Interoperable system to allow sharing of information: core of a forecasting and alert system for health professionals.Data from the GAMMP will be used to validate regional and global atmospheric mercury models.

*HE-09-02d. Global Monitoring Plan for Atmospheric Mercury

Future Directions/Resource NeedsAdditional support with monitoring data needed (e.g., Mauna Loa, Hawaii)

*HE-09-03a: End-to-End Projects for HealthGoalsAdvance the application of observation, monitoring, and forecasting systems to health decision-making processes.

*HE-09-03a. Implementation of a Meningitis Decision-Support SystemDavid Rogers and Masami Onodahttp://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol9no10/03-0182.htm

*HE-09-03a. Implementation of a Meningitis Decision-Support ToolBackgroundAbout 350 million people at risk in sub-Saharan AfricaDevastating health, social, and economic consequences.Dry, dusty conditions important contributing factor, though not well understood.Meningitis Environmental Risk Information Technologies (MERIT) project coordinates ~30 organizations involved in research and solutions development.

*GoalsImprove forecasts of dust and other relevant environmental conditions.Help decision-makers identify districts where meningitis risk is highHelp target new vaccine to those most at risk. Improve the understanding of the environmental factors in disease outbreaks.Build a model that takes into consideration all of the factors that influence meningitis risk.

HE-09-03a. Implementation of a Meningitis Decision-Support Tool

*HE-09-03a. Implementation of a Meningitis Decision-Support Tool

Science and TechnologyCurrently testing a decision-support tool in Niger. A modeling framework based on data from January-April 2009 meningitis season will be tested during 2010.

*HE-09-03a. Implementation of a Meningitis Decision-Support ToolFuture Directions/Resource NeedsIntegrate environmental information (e.g., space surveillance of dust) into the model.Create a test bed to demonstrate new decision-support tool.

*HE-09-03b. Implementation of a Malaria Early Warning SystemGeorge Jungbluth

Coordinating the use of satellite and climate observations in vector disease forecasting with local treatment, mitigation, and response

*Background

Malaria is a leading public health problem40% of worlds population lives in malaria-prone areasWorldwide prevalence 250-350mln cases/year1 mln deaths per year, with large majority in Africa, among young people in rural areas.Satellite observations of climate, moisture content, and other variables are now being used to predict where and when malaria outbreaks are likely to occur.HE-09-03b. Implementation of a Malaria Early Warning System

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GoalsFurther develop country-specific techniques to use satellite data for early malaria detection and monitoring, paired with in situ observations and validation.Integrate vector risk products with local mitigation and prevention efforts.Integrate best practices in using satellite and other observations for malaria risk prediction, develop pilot projects using these practices paired with training and capacity building.

HE-09-03b. Implementation of a Malaria Early Warning System

*Science and TechnologyNOAA STAR Malaria Risk Map Derived from VHIUsing Vegetation Health Index (VHI) indices from NOAA POES AVHRR instrument.Produces weekly malaria risk maps of African continent.Some estimates validated in parts of Africa, India, Bangladesh, South America.HE-09-03b. Implementation of a Malaria Early Warning System

*http://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/smcd/emb/vci/VH/vh_currentImage.php

*Science and TechnologyCNES Malaria Rural and Urban Risk MappingLocation: Senegal, Burkina Faso, Paraguay, Argentina.Goal: understanding mechanism for malaria vector outbreak, identifying contributing factors, and early detection of triggering environmental conditions.Develop zone-dynamic vector risk maps.Using SPOT5 images (10m and 2.5m res), TRMM data, ZPOM for malaria vectors.HE-09-03b. Implementation of a Malaria Early Warning System

*Science and TechnologyGISTDA Malaria Risk on Thailand FrontierLocation: Tak Province, Thai-Myanmar border.Goal: use satellite imagery, spatial analysis and time series analysis to determine malaria distribution patterns.Measurements: NDVI, temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, land cover, using LANDSAT 5TM data. 2004-08 data predicted malaria morbidity rate and distribution through 2009 season.HE-09-03b. Implementation of a Malaria Early Warning System

*Connections with Other Activities

GEO Community of HealthCoordination of best practices, pilot projectsWHOInformation portal and disseminationStandards for use of EO and climate data in disease vector prediction

HE-09-03b. Implementation of a Malaria Early Warning System

*HE-09-03c. Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Health: Decision-Support Tools and ResearchGary Foley

This Sub-task uses a Unique Approach : Interdisciplinary Community of PracticeImplement research activities that foster the development and application of tools (e.g. indicators, models) to inform decision-making and help reduce the emergence & spread of infectious and zoonotic diseases. Through an interdisciplinary team approach which also includes end-users (e.g. decision-makers), characterize the dynamics and mechanisms underlying the relationship between social stressors, changes in biodiversity and ecosystem composition, and disease transmission to animal hosts and to humans.

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Biodiversity & Human HealthThe Public& PublicOfficials

Research & Technical Developments?Greece-Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, University of Crete Italy-ISPRAPortugal-CIGPT, University of the Azores - Research Centre on Geographical Information and Land Planning US-EPA/CDC/Smithsonian

Greece: Regional, geographical and epidemiological study for the detection and monitoring of zoonoses with the use of GIS. Italy-ISPRA: In order to improve the life quality and health of cities inhabitants, it is important to create the basis over which to make urban planning. To contribute to the Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Health sub-task, research activity on urban green mapping (by neural network classifier applied to high resolution imagery) is conduced for a new approach on urban cover. The study involves the Italian cities having more than 150,000 inhabitants. Portugal: CIGPT wishes to contribute with its know-how on Environmental Planning and Small Islands issues to support USA on the interdisciplinarity development and implementation of this sub-task, focusing its action in Small Islands' Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Health.

Summary Table of EPAs Exploratory Research Projects

Characterizing Dilution Effect Mechanisms (Inst of Ecosystem Studies)Plant Animal Mosquito Diversity and Human Perception (Rutgers)Avian Diversity, Bioclimatic Factors, and Anthropogenic Change (UCLA)Lyme disease Risk Map (Yale, CDC, NASA Ames, EPA)Monitoring Mosquito Species Diversity Across a Landscape Gradient(EPA, Smithsonian)Geographic Focus/Scale of ResearchForest plots across Duchess County, NYTownships across New JerseyNational (USA)National (USA)Barro Colorado Island/Panama Canal Watershed (Panama); Khao Chong, Thailand??Disease System of StudyLyme diseaseWest Nile encephalitisWest Nile encephalitisWest Nile virusLyme diseaseMosquito-borne diseasesMulti-Disciplinary Team Makeupecology, population biology, epidemiologyecology, parasitology, ornithology, social science, environmental education, environmental managersecology, virology, population genetics, remote sensingepidemiology, ecology, remote sensing, environmental managersecology, epidemiology, entomology, biosystematicsStrengths of the Research Study

Dilution effect hypothesis will be tested on a well-studied ecological-epidemiological systemMuch preliminary data are available and extensive study infrastructure already in placePlanned interdisciplinary workshop to identify risk reduction strategies is directed to homeowners connecting science to local residents

Attempting to quantify structural diversity, not just animal species richnessHuman behavioral component is innovative, attempting to link human attitudes of wetlands to disease riskUse of Bayesian methods is novel State Department of Environmental Protection (end-user) is involved in study design, execution, and implementation

Focus is on the role of bird reservoir hosts in disease prevalenceCutting edge technology to be used to evaluate virus from bird feathers and migration patternsMigratory connectivity is an important feature of studyUse of earth observations on climate, land cover, and moisture for integration into the proposed distribution modelBuilding on an existing CDC-Yale spatial modeling project to test new hypotheses linking tick density and infection rates with new data on meteorology, mammalian and bird diversity Use of NASA Terrestrial Observation and Prediction System (TOPS) to deliver datasets from a variety of remotely sensed and in situ sourcesCDC and EPA are collaborators, helping to ensure that research results are communicated to the public and made relevant to decisionmakersAddresses new questions about the relationship between landscape change, mosquito species diversity and pathogen diversityProvides new material for SIs mosquito barcoding initiative, and enhanced identification tools, in turn, could aid the monitoring workPartners include Gorgas Memorial Lab (entomological field work), Smithsonian (providing field sites in and outside of forest plot), EPA (decisionmaking relevance)Expected Research Outputs

Quantitative model of disease riskRisk reduction guidelines produced by an interdisciplinary workshop

Understanding of how wetland plant structure can be used to estimate animal host and vector diversity relevant to healthUnderstanding ofhuman factors affecting behavior in and around urban wetlands which affect landmanagement and exposure to disease risk

Distribution models which estimate infection patterns in migratory and resident birds and in humans, as well as the effects of anthropogenic changes on distribution and prevalence Surface map of human risk for infection from Lyme disease throughout the range of the primary vector. The map could be routinely updated using meteorological and remotely sensed data on landscape conditions. New knowledge on the effects of landscape change on the distribution of mosquitoes and the ecological mechanisms that drive changeNew information can be added to SIs planned Web Mapping Development Services initiative to visualize global mosquito species richness and distribution Relevance to DecisionmakingInform development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for Lyme diseaseInform land use and development for human health protection, particularly environmentally-based strategies to reduce riskInform valuation of disease regulation as one ecosystem service that benefits peopleInform IPM strategies and biological control measuresInform wetland management and restoration to benefit healthResults from public surveys can inform state and federal agency efforts at outreach Inform disease emergence monitoring and bird conservation effortsInform land management and use to benefit health and the environment Inform IPM strategies Risk map can inform intervention measures for state and local health departments and preventive recommendations to the publicInform land use management and development as part of IPM strategiesInform land use management and development as part of IPM strategies Inform forest management, particularly how changes to plant community structure can affect vectors of public health importance and communities living nearby

US Research & Technical HighlightsEO & Field Data >> Lyme Disease Model >> Map and Predict Risks Host/vector dynamics for Lyme DiseaseRisk Management for Lyme DiseaseLand Use Planning/Integrated Pest MgmtEffectiveness of Repellents/PesticidesGreen InfrastructureWest Nile Virus, Wetlands & Human AttitudesLocal CoP for Lyme Disease in NE USA

US Research & Technical HighlightsEO & Field Data >> Lyme Disease Model >> Map and Predict Risks Host/vector dynamics for Lyme DiseaseRisk Management for Lyme DiseaseLand Use Planning/Integrated Pest MgmtEffectiveness of Repellents/PesticidesGreen InfrastructureWest Nile Virus, Wetlands & Human AttitudesLocal CoP for Lyme Disease in NE USA

Leveraging Opportunities?National & Regional Ecological Observatory Networks (e.g. NSF-NEON)Smithsonians Global Earth Observatories National and Regional Research Grants Programs which are willing to solicit proposals from interdisciplinary teams to address causality and prevention of emerging and re-emerging diseases

Secretariat: invite as participants in 2009?Wildlife Trust (U.S.) Wildlife Conservation Society (U.S.) Center for Health and the Global Environment, Harvard University (U.S.) John Snow Institute (U.S.) World Wildlife Fund International Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (Germany) Conservation Through Public Health (Uganda) London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (U.K.) U.S. Geological Survey (U.S.)

*Discussion

*Discussion QuestionsAre there additional science and technology achievements to highlight? Are there any overarching patterns in science and technology needs for the health tasksresources that could benefit many of the projects? Does the STC see any obvious science and technology enhancements for any of the projects?Is there a way the STC can facilitate the integration of science and technology into the health tasks? How can the STC/GEO help ensure that the tools being developed meet the needs of people on the ground?

*Thank You

http://extranet.who.int/gho/ *****Schematic of how AIRNow-International works***CDC Image Library #8683*