Strengthening The Efficiency of Orphan and Vulnerable Children Program Design and Implementation through Geospatial application in Nigeria

Abstract

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a tool to strengthened program coordination and scale-up of Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC) related services in resource-limited settings remains largely untapped. Assessing geographic program coverage in its focus communities, Pact Nigeria in partnership with an indigenous community based organization, Safe Motherhood Ladies Association (SMLAS) implemented a GIS study in 8 communities across 3 Local Government Areas (LGA) of Ebonyi State. Although conventionally used in the context of vertical programs, GIS approaches can help improve service delivery outlets, extent of effective coverage and beneficiaries. About 450 children enrolled in the OVC program, were geotagged with attributes of service providers offering health, nutrition, shelter, economic strengthening, education, child-protection, legal and psycho-social support (services required in the OVC continuum of care), the geotagged ID were then linked to database containing demographics and relevant service assessment information. In-depth spatial analysis of this information led to the identification of geographic features of interest and the mapping of household, OVC