Optimal location and allocation of vaccination outreach centres

Expanded programme on immunisation in developing nations aim at reduction of mortality and morbidity from the six killer diseases to a level of eradication through administration of vaccines. However, achieving the immunisation goals in developing countries like Nigeria is difficult because of heavily scattered settlements and nomadic population. To improve the vaccination coverage by using outreach strategy; there is need to consider the siting of the outreach centres to increase access and reduce the distance to get the vaccine. The study applied location set covering problem and maximum covering location models to define and solve location and allocation of vaccination outreach centres in Ward 1 of Odogbolu local government area. Geographic information systems (GIS) techniques were used in determining the distances between settlements. The models locate four settlements; Oke Oloja, Iganke, Iperin and Berger for siting of the vaccination outreach centre and the demand covered by each settlement are maximised. The study gives an optimal location and allocation of outreach centres which maximises the vaccination coverage in all settlements. Thus, the study aids efficient planning and allocation of outreach centres for vaccination in a timely and effective manner.