Amanda Hoffman-Hall

An intricate relationship exists between land cover and land use change (LCLUC) and the transmission of vector-borne diseases. For the vector-borne disease malaria, the influence of LCLUC on malaria exposure is complex and multifaceted, but understanding these interactions is critical to developing effective public health interventions. In Myanmar, recent advancements in LCLUC mapping using remote sensing technologies have allowed for deeper insights into the connection between specific LCLUC patterns and malaria risk. Specifically, recent studies reveal that malaria is influenced by natural forest cover near residential areas, emphasizing the importance of considering land cover in malaria transmission models. Furthermore, research underlines the impact of human activities, such as forest chores and outdoor jobs, on malaria risk. The insights gained from this research can inform targeted malaria intervention strategies, particularly in recent political turmoil, highlighting earth observations' critical role in providing essential data for public health initiatives amidst challenging circumstances.