Connecting Communities to Primary Healthcare: How a Charity Uses Open-Source Mapping

Farah Yeasmin | Documentation and Strategic Assistant, BERNOSSUS

Hasibul Ahmed Pulok | Research Assistant, GroupMappers, MORU 

Geospatial data is all around us, playing a pivotal role in navigating and understanding the world, even if we don't always see it. From city planning to daily decision-making, mapping transforms vast information into clear insights that empower communities and guide impactful policies. When it comes to public services, community-driven mapping goes a step further, bringing an invaluable, localized perspective that highlights resources and unmet needs.

In our submission to "Crowdsourcing for Better Health: Reducing the Spatial Deficiency Gap," we highlighted the significance of crowdsourced mapping initiatives in aiding government efforts to identify registered health facilities. We selected a small charity organization, BERNOSSUS (Begum Rokeya Nari-O-Shishu Shasthya Unnayan Sangstha), located in the urban fringe of Uttara, Dhaka, as an impactful case study due to its commitment to providing primary healthcare to marginalized communities. To help BERNOSSUS better understand its service area and reach underserved populations, we created a detailed catchment area map that covers a 2.5-kilometer radius from its operation center.

Our study area, a 2.5 km radius around BERNOSSUS (23.86871456, 90.37758751) in the rapidly developing Uttara region of Dhaka near the Turag River, is home to nearly 240,000 people. This map illustrates the population distribution in the area, along with the detailed road network based on OpenStreetMap (OSM) data.

This mapping captured crucial features—from roads and railway lines to water bodies, building footprints, open spaces, and healthcare access points like pharmacies and dental clinics. The results were exciting and far beyond expectations: where previous data identified just 9 hospitals, our map revealed 26, while the count of dental clinics rose from 5 to 14. Pharmacies surged from 16 to 63, and clinics increased from 1 to 21. While these numbers will be further verified, they highlight the remarkable potential of community mapping to uncover and address service gaps.

Using Google imagery, we identified clusters of tin-shed buildings in the area, which are indicative of low-income communities. As seen in previous maps, most healthcare facilities are concentrated in the right portion of the area. By calculating the fastest travel routes, we were able to assess the accessibility of these facilities for residents, highlighting potential barriers for those seeking essential health services.

Thirteen clusters of tin-shed communities have been identified, with smaller communities spread throughout the area.

Potential Use Cases:

• Identify service gaps

• Estimate facility distribution

• Support strategic planning

• Engage local volunteers

• Estimate population for planning

• Estimate travel routes and accessibility

• Improve healthcare navigation

Spatial data can fill in the gaps in our knowledge and bring services closer to those who need them most, sparking a pathway toward more equitable healthcare. This project is a testament to the collective power of communities and data coming together to bridge gaps, inspire action, and fuel change for a healthier, more inclusive future. This initiative can be replicated in other areas, involving youth to reduce spatial data gaps and improve health outcomes.

About the Author

Hasibul Ahmed Pulok is an Environmental Science graduate from Jahangirnagar University, focusing on climate change, public health, and geospatial analysis. He is currently serving as the Vice President of YouthMappers, IRS, Jahangirnagar University chapter, and has been recognized as an Open Mapping GURU for 2024 by the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) Apprenticeship. Furthermore, Hasibul works as a Research Assistant for GroupMappers, Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU).

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