GIS-Based Analysis of Healthcare Facility Distribution in Adamawa State

Equitable distribution of healthcare facilities is a critical determinant of public health outcomes in Nigeria. This study uses GIS to analyse the spatial distribution of primary and secondary healthcare facilities across Adamawa State, North East Nigeria. Facility location data collected from the Adamawa State Ministry of Health are geocoded and mapped relative to population distribution data from the 2006 census and projected 2023 estimates. Voronoi polygon analysis delineates service catchment areas for each facility, while buffer analysis estimates the population residing within 5 and 10 kilometre service radii. The location-allocation model is applied to identify optimal sites for new facility construction based on maximum coverage and minimum travel distance objectives. Results reveal significant spatial disparities, with Fufore, Toungo, and Ganye LGAs registering the lowest ratios of population to healthcare facilities. Northern and southern mountainous LGAs face dual challenges of geographic isolation and facility scarcity. The study recommends deploying mobile health units and constructing primary health care centres in underserved communities identified by the spatial model. Keywords: healthcare distribution, GIS, Adamawa State, spatial equity, facility location