Maps are powerful tools for public health decision-makers to better understand the relationship between the location of populations and health system resources, indicators or predictors of health status, and their patterns over space and time. The visual power of the map is aided by modern advances in technology, computing, and handheld devices that can record the location of any place on the earth and transmit geospatial data for analysis, sharing, and use. The use of geography to analyze patterns of disease, distribution of populations, and inventories and locations of health services come together to create a catalyst for improving health systems.

Immunization programs in low- and middle-income countries are beginning to harness digital maps and geospatial data to display and analyze complex information for program improvements . The effective use of geospatial data can show program managers which locations have not received adequate immunization services, provide more accurate denominators, and inform what vaccination delivery strategies should be used to optimize coverage and equity. It can also improve monitoring of immunization programs.

Applications of geospatial technologies for immunization are often approached as simple solutions to system challenges without careful consideration of the greater ecosystem or planning for widespread adoption and sustainability. Interventions are often deployed as pilot technology-focused projects without sustained resources or commitment to support the underlying enabling environment, human capacities, and governance systems that will contribute to a long-lasting impact on decision-making and health outcomes. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, supports a systematic approach to understanding the range of geospatial data and technology implementation experiences to guide sustainable and effective systems and governance for improving immunization services that can reach every child with life-saving vaccines while strengthening primary health care systems . Geospatial data and technology applications for immunization align with GAVI’s 2021-2025 strategy and the global Immunization Agenda 2030 strategy. In order to provide life-saving services to children whodefault on the vaccination schedule and “zero-dose” children who have never received a vaccine, new geo-enabled approaches to planning and delivering services are needed to expand the reach of effective vaccination for all children.