25 December 2023, Cairo, Egypt – Strengthening the ability to manage health emergency data is imperative for effectively addressing public health challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently organized a Regional Training on Capacity Development of Data Analytics and Dissemination, utilizing R software. The event took place in Amman, Jordan, from 3rd to 7th December 2023.
Epidemiologists and surveillance officers from the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, along with representatives from the ministries of health in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon, participated in the training. The event also saw involvement from the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and WHO country offices in Afghanistan, Egypt, and Jordan.
The primary focus of the training was to address the crucial need for enhanced capabilities in public health data analytics. Participants engaged in an intensive program designed to elevate their skills in managing and analyzing health emergency data using R software. The accuracy and timeliness of information are paramount in responding to health emergencies, making this training initiative particularly significant.
Emphasizing the utility of R software, a versatile open-source programming language tool, the training aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary to handle datasets, automate reports, and generate reproducible analyses with high-quality outputs.
Throughout the training, participants gained a foundational understanding of the R language, became proficient in navigating the RStudio interface – a user-friendly platform for R – and learned the application of various R packages. Essential data steps, analyses, graphical representation techniques, and report generation were integral components of the program, contributing to informed public health decisions and strategies.
Beyond individual skill enhancement, the training sought to foster a regional network of proficient public health professionals capable of sharing knowledge within and beyond their countries. This approach reinforces a data-driven paradigm in addressing public health challenges.
WHO plans to virtually follow up with participants to monitor the application of the training modules and address any queries. Furthermore, the organization intends to extend this training to additional countries within the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region in 2024. Additionally, WHO is set to conduct another training session focusing on advanced analysis, aiming to facilitate a seamless transition to utilizing R software as a potent tool for data analytics.
