Towards precision public health using spatial epidemiology and digital health tools

Place and health are linked through a complex interplay of factors. Despite early recognition of the importance of this link, public health research has largely overlooked the potential of precise geographic information in the last decades. Recent advances have led to growing interest in spatial epidemiology and the emergence of precision public health. In this presentation, I will highlight the value of spatial epidemiology towards achieving precision public health by providing a better assessment of population health, elucidate the mechanisms linking place and health, and develop successful local health interventions. Importantly, I will discuss the potential and the need for prioritised public health interventions, particularly in vulnerable communities. Furthermore, I will present how developing geospatial digital tools can help building bridges between research, decision-makers, and citizens and thus translate findings into action and impact, which is urgently needed to reduce the burden of disease and health disparities.