SORA Technology develops a Satellite-Based Flood Analysis Solution in Collaboration with JICA Mozambique Office
SORA Technology Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagoya, Japan; Founder & CEO: Yosuke Kaneko; hereafter “SORA Technology”), which provides advanced drone and AI solutions across public health, agriculture, and climate resilience, announced that it has developed and delivered a decision-support system designed to directly link flood risk visualization with malaria prevention strategies in the Xai-Xai region of Mozambique. This system strengthened the support activities of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Mozambique Office and contributed to optimizing the selection of distribution sites for long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).
Core Satellite Technology and Its Application to Malaria Risk Assessment
This system is innovative in its ability to leverage rapid situational awareness during heavy rainfall events to identify environmental risks that may serve as potential breeding sites for malaria vectors.
Built on advanced satellite data analytics as its core, the system supports strategic decision-making on the ground, drawing on the following proven capabilities:
– Identification of High-Risk Areas through Integration of Flood Risk and Population Density Data
By spatially overlaying flood simulation outputs (flood depth) with population grid data (WorldPop), the system identifies areas that are both highly prone to flooding—indicating a high likelihood of water stagnation and potential mosquito breeding—and densely populated.
This approach enables the objective identification of priority intervention areas where malaria risk is most likely to be elevated.
– Validation of Potential Mosquito Breeding Water Bodies Using Open-Source Satellite Data
Leveraging Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from open-access Earth observation satellites, the system accurately detects the extent of water bodies during heavy rainfall events and peak rainy seasons.
SAR utilizes scattering behavior of microwave signals from the Earth’s surfaces, enabling precise identification of flooded and waterlogged areas. By comparing simulation outputs with actual observational data, the system provides a reliable indicator for identifying potential mosquito breeding environments.
– Assessment of Healthcare Facility Locations and Their Suitability for Malaria Interventions
By overlaying the geolocation of healthcare facilities with flood risk and population density layers, the system evaluates their relevance to high-priority intervention areas and assesses their suitability as strategic distribution points for long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).
Key Features of the Provided System
This solution is equipped with the following features, specifically designed to ensure operational interoperability and support decision-making, enabling rapid information sharing among stakeholders, including Ministry of Health officials, regardless of their level of technical expertise.
– Priority Area Identification for Malaria Interventions
The system visualizes areas at risk of flooding and their corresponding flood depths through simulation, and further integrates population distribution data and healthcare facility locations. This enables the efficient identification of high-risk areas required for prioritizing the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).
– Healthcare Facility Exposure Mapping
The system visualizes healthcare facilities associated with the target area on a map, enabling intuitive identification of facilities located within or near flood-prone areas. This allows for the rapid identification of facilities potentially impacted by flooding, as well as their suitability as strategic distribution points.
– GeoTIFF Data Export Functionality
Simulation outputs can be downloaded in GeoTIFF (.tif) format, enabling the Mozambique Ministry of Health (MoH) and local JICA teams to seamlessly integrate the data into external geospatial software such as QGIS. This facilitates flexible incorporation into on-the-ground malaria intervention planning.
Outcomes and Future Outlook
As a pilot case in the Xai-Xai region, this system has established a robust framework for validating the effectiveness of public health interventions—specifically the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs)—based on environmental risk assessment.
Looking ahead, we plan to expand this solution to other countries across the Global South, strengthening support activities led by national governments and international organizations. Beyond malaria control, the solution will be further extended as a predictive and intervention planning tool for other mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever, as well as waterborne diseases including cholera, which are increasingly impacted by climate change.
Through the delivery of highly effective solutions powered by satellite technology and AI, SORA Technology remains committed to addressing global public health challenges at scale.
Company Profile
Company Name: SORA Technology Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: 2-14-1 Nagono, Nishi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Representative: Yosuke Kaneko (Founder & CEO)
Established: 2020
Business: Development and provision of drone- and AI-powered technologies for infectious disease control, agricultural support, and climate adaptation.
Mission: SORA Technology is committed to the mission of “Transforming lives from the sky (SORA).” By leveraging advanced drone and AI technologies, the company aims to help build safe and prosperous societies anywhere in the world. Centered in Africa and other developing regions, SORA provides a wide range of services, from infectious disease surveillance and control to agricultural productivity enhancement and climate adaptation support.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sora-technology/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sora.technology/
