Spatial Distribution of Malaria Risk and Health Infrastructure in Ekiti State Using GIS

Malaria remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, imposing enormous burdens on public health systems, household economies, and workforce productivity. This study examines the spatial distribution of malaria risk and health infrastructure in Ekiti State using Geographic Information Systems and environmental risk modelling. Malaria case data from 2021 to 2023 are obtained from the Ekiti State Ministry of Health and the National Malaria Elimination Programme, geocoded to ward level, and mapped as standardised incidence rates. Environmental risk factors including proximity to stagnant water bodies, vegetation density from NDVI, altitude, and rainfall are compiled from secondary spatial datasets and combined in a logistic regression-based risk model. Health facility locations are mapped from GPS surveys, and catchment areas are computed for facilities offering malaria case management services. Spatial correlation between estimated risk surfaces and health facility coverage gaps is examined to identify communities with simultaneous high malaria risk and poor service access. Results identify the Ijero, Efon, and Moba LGA zones as high-risk, low-coverage clusters warranting priority intervention. The study provides actionable spatial intelligence for the Ekiti State Malaria Control Programme and recommends the deployment of community health workers in identified priority zones. Keywords: malaria risk, GIS, spatial distribution, Ekiti State, health infrastructure.