Gaps in mobility data and implications for modelling epidemic spread: A scoping review and simulation study

Reliable estimates of human mobility are important for understanding the spatial spread of infectious diseases and the effective targeting of control measures. However, when modelling infectious disease dynamics, data on human mobility at an appropriate temporal or spatial resolution are not always available, leading to the common use of model-derived mobility proxies. In this study researchers, including epidemiologist Anne Cori of the Jameel Institute at Imperial College London, reviewed the different data sources and mobility models that have been used to characterise human movement in Africa. They then conducted a simulation study to better understand the implications of using human mobility proxies when predicting the spatial spread and dynamics of infectious diseases. This work underscores the need for regularly updated empirical measures of population movement within and between countries to aid the prevention and control of infectious disease outbreaks.