Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To compare the costs and healthcare use associated with mobile clinic services and fixed primary healthcare facilities in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Northeastern Nigeria, and to determine which model delivers better value for money in humanitarian settings.
METHODS: This cross-sectional real-world study was conducted in four IDP camps in Adamawa and Yobe States between 2024 and 2025. Service delivery data were collected from two mobile clinic programs and two fixed primary healthcare facilities serving camp populations. Costs were assessed from the service provider perspective and included personnel, transportation, medical supplies, logistics, and operational overheads. Healthcare use was measured using outpatient visits, antenatal care attendance, and treatment of common illnesses. Cost-effectiveness was assessed using cost per patient visit and cost per additional service user reached. Descriptive statistics and comparative cost-outcome analysis were applied.
RESULTS: Mobile clinics reached a larger share of camp residents living more than 3 km from health facilities and recorded higher service use among women and adolescents. The average cost per patient visit was lower for mobile clinics than for fixed facilities, mainly due to reduced patient travel barriers and broader outreach. Mobile clinics recorded a 28% higher rate of service use among first-time users. Fixed facilities provided better continuity of care for chronic conditions but had lower overall attendance. Overall, mobile clinics achieved wider service coverage at a lower cost per visit, while fixed facilities had higher operational and patient-related costs.
CONCLUSIONS: Mobile clinics are a more cost-effective approach for improving access to primary healthcare in IDP camp settings, particularly for populations with limited physical access to health facilities. Fixed facilities remain important for follow-up and long-term care. Combining mobile outreach with facility-based services may offer a more efficient and balanced approach to healthcare delivery in humanitarian and conflict-affected contexts.