Personal profile
Biography
Blessings Chiepa is a passionate and experienced geographic information system and remote sensing specialist with more than six years of expertise in geospatial analysis, spatial data management, data visualisation, and the application of cutting-edge technologies in diverse contexts. His academic foundation includes an MSc in Geographical Information Management from Cranfield University, funded by the prestigious Commonwealth Masters Scholarship. He graduated with distinction and was awarded the esteemed Esri UK Prize for excellence.
Throughout his career, Blessings has delivered impactful geographic information system and remote sensing solutions across Africa, working with organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières and the United Nations Development Programme. From developing disaster management systems to conducting spatial epidemiology analyses, he has leveraged tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, R, ERDAS Imagine, and Python to support evidence-based decision-making in disaster risk management, health interventions, and environmental planning.
Driven by a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Blessings integrates geographic information system and remote sensing to tackle complex challenges and improve lives. Whether mapping disease hotspots, analysing satellite imagery, or building geospatial models, his goal is to provide actionable insights that empower organisations and policymakers to make data-driven decisions.
Beyond his professional work, he is actively engaged in initiatives that promote geospatial knowledge sharing, leadership, and community-driven mapping. Blessings serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Center for Governance and Leadership, contributes to the leadership of OpenStreetMap Malawi, and acts as an Advisory Board Member on Administrative Work and Leadership Operations for the Spatial Girls Network. Additionally, he co-chaired the first-ever State of the Map Malawi Conference in 2024, further advocating for open mapping and geospatial innovation in Malawi and beyond.
Research interests
Blessings’ research focuses on the application of quantitative methods, particularly geographical information systems and remote sensing in public and global health. He specialises in spatial epidemiology, with a strong focus on malaria and neglected tropical diseases. By integrating geospatial analysis, epidemiological modelling, and spatial statistics, his work aims to enhance disease surveillance, risk mapping, and targeted intervention strategies.
With a background in geographical information management, Blessings leverages geographical information systems and remote sensing to examine spatial patterns of disease transmission. His PhD research at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine explores the transmission dynamics of malaria and schistosomiasis in the context of anthropogenic, environmental, and climate change, contributing to a broader understanding of how these factors influence vector-borne diseases.
Beyond research, he is committed to knowledge translation and capacity building, particularly in health-focused geographical information systems applications. His experience as a co-investigator on multiple studies and leadership in managing a geographical information systems Community of Practice in Malawi have strengthened his dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration. By bridging spatial epidemiology, public health, and environmental science, he aims to contribute to evidence-based policy and intervention strategies.
Related documents
Themes
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Climate Health
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 13 Climate Action
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or
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Challenges and potential opportunities for improving One Health surveillance in low-resource settings: Insights from rabies surveillance in Malawi.
Pastala, P. I., Kalonde, P., Chikhola, E., Burdon Bailey, J., Nkhoma, J., Lohr, F., Hiwa, T., Phiri, B., Wood, C., Kapalamula, T. F., Bickton, F., Chiepa, B., Jorgensen, H. J., Mazeri, S. & Musaya, J., 7 Jan 2026, In: One Health Outlook. 8, 5Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Repeated biannual cross-sectional surveys in primary schools set baseline seasonal and spatial surveillance for malaria and schistosomiasis in the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP), Malawi
Kapolo, P., Chiepa, B., Mbewe, R. B., Kapumba, B., Kambewa, E., Kaunga, L., Coleman, S., Chirombo, J., Mzilahowa, T., Jones, C. M., Stanton, M. C. & Russell Stothard, J., 9 Jan 2026, In: Current Research in Parasitology and Vector-Borne Diseases. 9, 100350.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus) -
A first report of Biomphalaria pfeifferi in the Lower Shire Valley, Southern Malawi, a major intermediate snail host species for intestinal schistosomiasis
Nkolokosa, C., Mbewe, R., Chirombo, J., Stanton, M., Jones, C., Makaula, P., Namacha, G., Chiepa, B., Kalonde, P., Baluwa, C., Zembere, K., Kambewa, E., Kaonga, C. C., Archer, J., Juhasz, A., Cunningham, L., Tangena, J.-A. & Stothard, J. R., 15 Feb 2025, In: Scientific Reports. 15, 1, p. 5603 5603.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Citations (Scopus) -
Mapping and quantifying travel time to define health facility catchment areas in Blantyre city in Malawi
Kalonde, P. K., Tsoka, O., Chiepa, B., Baluwa, C., Nkolokosa, C., Mategula, D., Muthukrishnan, S., Feasey, N., Henrion, M. Y. R., Stanton, M. C., Ray, N., Terlouw, D. J., Longbottom, J. & Chirombo, J., 11 Jun 2025, In: Communications Medicine. 5, 1, 227.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Citations (Scopus) -
Reflections on the first state of the map conference in Malawi
Kalonde, P. K., Chiepa, B., Kacheyo, J., Kalagho, E., Kunje, W., Kalaundi, T. T., Nkolokosa, C., Kapolo, P., Manyungwa, Z., Ben, M., Chimphondah, F., Matope Aaron, P. T., Wandale, M., Chisuse, P., Chibophe, S., Chilewani, U., Mtachi, L. D., Mwamughunda, G. J., Mhone, C. & Kandikana, G. & 6 others, , 12 May 2025, In: African Geographical Review. 44, 4, p. 426-436 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)