Washington, DC, February 10, 2025 (PAHO) - On February 5, 2025, a specialized virtual training session on using the GitHub platform to share code and conduct analyses in R software, was held by the PAHO Health Emergencies Department. The training gathered 39 professionals from the Ministries of Health and Health Institute, including Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Paraguay, all of whom work in health data management and analysis.
This session served as a follow-up and refresher training for the same cohort of professionals who previously participated in GitHub R training sessions. The initiative aims to reinforce their knowledge, address any challenges encountered in applying these skills to their routine activities, and ensure continued proficiency in utilizing R and GitHub for health data analysis.
Led by the Health Emergency Information and Risk Assessment Unit (HIM) of the Emergency Department (PHE) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the training focused on practical applications of Software R (a programming tool for data analysis) and its integration with GitHub to enhance collaborative workflows. This initiative is part of PAHO’s broader Strategy on Epidemic Intelligence for Strengthening Early Warning of Health Emergencies (2024–2029), specifically supporting Action Line 2, which focuses on building technical capacity. By equipping health personnel with essential tools and knowledge to analyze data and detect emerging threats, this effort strengthens regional preparedness and response. Additionally, the initiative fosters a community of practice in open-source software for public health data management and analysis, encouraging knowledge exchange, leadership development, and collaboration.
Through this commitment, PAHO continues to advance innovative solutions that enhance the region’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to health emergencies.
