Evidence and gap maps (EGM) and mega-maps are interactive tools that help researchers and decision makers discover existing evidence on a given topic, find solutions supported by evidence, and identify gaps in the evidence where more research is required. WHO is developing EGMs and mega-maps as part of a multi-year project to summarize, disseminate, and increase uptake of evidence towards deeper integration in policies and practices during the UN Decade.

An EGM is a systematic visual presentation of the availability of all relevant evidence for a particular policy domain. Mega‐maps are broader in scope, covering a large sector or several sectors and include only systematic reviews and other maps (not primary studies). Importantly, EGMs and mega-maps summarize what evidence there is, not what the evidence says – but EGMs and mega-maps help us locate evidence and where there might be gaps that need to be addressed. 

EGMs and mega-maps are essential tools to strengthen data, research, and innovation and achieve the aims of the UN Decade. Explore the available maps on this page, which will continue to be updated as new resources are made available.