Dataset used for joint spatial modelling for identification of malaria hotspots in southwestern Benin – Monteiro et al., 2025

1. Overview

This deposit contains an anonymized, minimal dataset used to illustrate and enable peer-review of the joint spatial modelling framework described in Monteiro et al. (2025), submitted to PLOS Pathogens. 
Data combine aggregated malaria incidence, mosquito vector abundance, and environmental covariates for sites in southwestern Benin. 
Coordinates are limited to ~1 km precision and site labels are pseudonyms to preserve confidentiality under NMCP Benin data-sharing rules.

2. Files
- data_4_joint_modelling.csv  — Dataset used to fit/verify the joint model during peer review.

3. Variable dictionary

• origin: sampling site label (e.g., GAARDIAN)
• week_of_collection: week number since the beginning of entomological collection
• collection_date: date of entomological collection
• health_zone: health zone name (administrative unit)
• longitude, latitude: site coordinates rounded to 2 decimals (~1 km)
• anopheles_gambiae: log-transformed density of Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquitoes
• anopheles_funestus: log-transformed density of Anopheles funestus mosquitoes
• mal_inc: log_transformed malaria incidence (per 1,000 persons; aggregated monthly)
• hf_attendance_rate: health facilities’ attendance rate (proportion)
• lulc: land use / land cover class (categorical)
• elevation: elevation (m)
• evi: MODIS monthly Enhanced Vegetation Index (dimensionless)
• lst_day_max: maximum of MODIS daily daytime land surface temperature (°C)
• lst_night_min: minimum of MODIS daily nighttime land surface temperature (°C)
• lst_night_max: maximum of MODIS daily nighttime land surface temperature (°C)
• mir_avg: average of MODIS mid-infrared reflectance (unitless)
• PET_avg: average of MODIS 8‑day composite Total Potential Evapotranspiration (mm)
• lai_max: maximum of MODIS 8‑day composite leaf area index (m²/m²)
• ppt: TerraClimate monthly precipitation (mm)
• ws: monthly weather-station wind speed (m/s)
• dist_to_run_water: distance to running waters (m)
• dist_to_stag_water: distance to stagnant waters (m)

4. Confidentiality & use
• No personally identifiable information is included. 
• Site names are pseudonyms and coordinates are imprecise (~1 km).
• Data are provided solely for editorial and peer-review purposes and may not be redistributed or used beyond peer review without written authorization from the Benin National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), and owner of entomological data.

5. Contact
Corresponding author: Gabriel Michel Monteiro (gmonteiro@aimsric.org)