UNLOCKING INTELLIGENCE THROUGH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DATA MANAGEMENT AND UTILISATION: A SCOPING REVIEW
1
Environmental Health Department, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, Durban, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A829
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The world faces significant environmental health challenges requiring databased holistic solutions. In Africa, environmental factors contribute to 2.5 million deaths annually, and nearly 25% of global disease burden is preventable through healthier environments. This highlights the urgent need to explore the use of digital technologies in environmental health data management to support swift interventions in public health. As a result, this scoping review aimed to characterise the application of digital technologies in environmental health data management and utilisation, as well information systems to unveil opportunities for improved decision-making and action.
METHODS:
This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Literature was searched from PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar in year 2025.
RESULTS:
The study analysed 74 articles, with 26% focusing on existing EHISs, 24% on environmental health indicators, 14% on geographic information system tools, and 36% on digital technologies in environmental health data management. Researchers and practitioners, mainly in high-income countries, continue to explore predictive analytics, modelling and machine learning, the Internet of Things, smart devices, and infographics in environmental health. It is evident that digital technologies are revolutionizing environmental health by providing actionable insights, enhancing decision-making, and promoting proactiveness. This integration is crucial for improving public health outcomes and must be embraced by low-and-middle-income countries as well, even amid resource-related and interoperability challenges. The opportunities provided by these technologies include, improved environmental health surveillance and monitoring, enabled targeted interventions, risk communication and community engagement, mapping for public health action, multisectoral collaborations, enhanced service delivery and research development.
CONCLUSIONS:
Recognising and appreciating the importance of digital technologies is essential for government agencies to maximise available opportunities.
The world faces significant environmental health challenges requiring databased holistic solutions. In Africa, environmental factors contribute to 2.5 million deaths annually, and nearly 25% of global disease burden is preventable through healthier environments. This highlights the urgent need to explore the use of digital technologies in environmental health data management to support swift interventions in public health. As a result, this scoping review aimed to characterise the application of digital technologies in environmental health data management and utilisation, as well information systems to unveil opportunities for improved decision-making and action.
METHODS:
This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Literature was searched from PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar in year 2025.
RESULTS:
The study analysed 74 articles, with 26% focusing on existing EHISs, 24% on environmental health indicators, 14% on geographic information system tools, and 36% on digital technologies in environmental health data management. Researchers and practitioners, mainly in high-income countries, continue to explore predictive analytics, modelling and machine learning, the Internet of Things, smart devices, and infographics in environmental health. It is evident that digital technologies are revolutionizing environmental health by providing actionable insights, enhancing decision-making, and promoting proactiveness. This integration is crucial for improving public health outcomes and must be embraced by low-and-middle-income countries as well, even amid resource-related and interoperability challenges. The opportunities provided by these technologies include, improved environmental health surveillance and monitoring, enabled targeted interventions, risk communication and community engagement, mapping for public health action, multisectoral collaborations, enhanced service delivery and research development.
CONCLUSIONS:
Recognising and appreciating the importance of digital technologies is essential for government agencies to maximise available opportunities.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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