title: The value of spatial analysis for tracking supply for family planning: the case of Kinshasa, DRC.
abstract: While geographic information systems (GIS) are frequently used to research accessibility issues for healthcare services around the world, sophisticated spatial analysis protocols and outputs often prove inappropriate and unsustainable to support evidence-based programme strategies in resource-constrained environments. This article examines how simple, open-source and interactive GIS tools have been used to locate family planning (FP) services delivery points in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) and to identify underserved areas, determining the potential location of new service points, and to support advocacy for FP programmes. Using smartphone-based data collection applications (OpenDataKit), we conducted two surveys of FP facilities supported by partner organizations in 2012 and 2013 and used the results to assess gaps in FP services coverage, using both ratio of facilities per population and distance-based accessibility criteria. The cartographic outputs included both static analysis maps and interactive Google Earth displays, and sought to support advocacy and evidence-based planning for the placement of new service points. These maps, at the scale of Kinshasa or for each of the 35 health zones that cover the city, garnered a wide interest from the operational level of the health zones' Chief Medical Officers, who were consulted to contribute field knowledge on potential new service delivery points, to the FP programmes officers at the Ministry of Health, who could use the map to inform resources allocation decisions throughout the city.
authors.affiliation: Global Health Management and Policy, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, Suite 1900, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA hernanjulie@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Julie H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Hernandez
authors.affiliation: Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Akilimali
authors.affiliation: Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kayembe
authors.affiliation: Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
authors.forename: Nelly
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dikamba
authors.affiliation: Global Health Management and Policy, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, Suite 1900, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bertrand
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D015023:Democratic Republic of the Congo; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D040362:Geographic Information Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006285:Health Planning; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D062069:Inventions; D000068997:Smartphone; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Accessibility; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Kinshasa; evidence-based programming; family planning; geographic information systems