From 15–18 September 2026, researchers, statisticians, and public health professionals will come together at the Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics’ Takwimu House in Dodoma, Tanzania, for MAP’s “September to Remember” annual Geospatial Modelling for Public Health Applications workshop. The four-day intensive training is designed to strengthen participants’ skills in geospatial analysis and advanced statistical modelling, using real-world public health and malaria research applications.

The workshop addresses an increasingly important question in public health: How can spatial data and statistical modelling help us better understand where health risks occur and support more informed decisions? Participants will build their understanding of geospatial concepts and progress toward advanced spatial and spatio-temporal modelling, with this year’s programme focusing on INLAbru. The hands-on format is designed to equip participants with practical skills they can continue developing beyond the training.

In addition to the core training, the programme features special seminars on “The Data Behind the Decisions: National Statistical Offices as Partners in Public Health” and “Spatial disaggregation in R,” creating opportunities to connect statistical systems, research, and practical public health applications.

Supported through a partnership between the Ifakara Health Institute, The Kids Research Institute Australia, the University of Glasgow, and the National Bureau of Statistics Tanzania, the 2026 workshop reflects a shared commitment to strengthening geospatial modelling capacity in the region. By bringing together researchers and practitioners around practical methods, real-world evidence, and advanced statistical tools, the programme aims to strengthen the skills needed to turn spatial data into evidence that can ultimately contribute to better public health decisions.