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WorldPop & DHIS2
High-resolution population data integrated into DHIS2 to support precise planning, coverage analysis, and targeting of essential services
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About WorldPop
WorldPop is an interdisciplinary research programme based at the University of Southampton that develops high-resolution, geospatial population datasets using satellite imagery, census data, surveys, and other spatial data sources. Its Global 2 dataset represents a significant advancement, combining multiple census rounds and geospatial inputs to produce consistent population estimates over time and at fine spatial scales. These datasets distinguish between different types of land use and settlement patterns, enabling more precise understanding of where people live. WorldPop data is openly available and designed to support operational planning, policy, and research across health, development, and humanitarian domains.
WorldPop is a Strategic DHIS2 Technology Partner.
DHIS2 use case
WorldPop provides high-resolution population datasets that are directly integrated into DHIS2, enabling users to visualize, aggregate, and analyse population distributions alongside health and program data. Through built-in integration with DHIS2 apps such as Maps, Import/Export, and Climate Tools, users can move from static spreadsheets to interactive geospatial analysis, improving coverage calculations, targeting of interventions, and identification of underserved populations. The integration of the WorldPop Global 2 dataset allows countries to work with annual population estimates (2015–2030) at 100x100m resolution, disaggregated by age and sex, supporting more accurate, timely, and actionable decision-making.
- Population data embedded in DHIS2 analytics workflows. WorldPop datasets are integrated directly into DHIS2, allowing users to visualise population distributions in the Maps app, aggregate high-resolution grid data into administrative units through the Import/Export app, and incorporate population data into indicators and dashboards. This enables more accurate denominators for coverage metrics such as vaccination rates or service reach.
- Advanced spatial and climate analysis. Through DHIS2 Climate Tools, users can combine population data with environmental and climate datasets to perform population-weighted analyses. This enables use cases such as estimating populations affected by extreme weather, identifying climate-vulnerable communities, and supporting integrated health and climate planning.
- Microplanning and targeted service delivery. High-resolution population estimates support detailed microplanning workflows, such as identifying priority communities for immunization, estimating catchment populations, and detecting coverage gaps. This allows programmes to move beyond coarse national or district estimates and target services more effectively at the local level.
Real-world example
The integration of WorldPop Global 2 into DHIS2 enables ministries of health and partners to conduct fine-grained population analysis across health programmes. For example, immunization programmes can identify underserved communities and optimise outreach strategies using high-resolution population maps.
In the Central African Republic WorldPop data has been used within DHIS2 to support immunization microplanning, helping identify priority populations and improve targeting of vaccination campaigns through more accurate population estimates.