Manhica Demographic and Health Surveillance System

A key strength of the Manhiça HDSS is its integration of demographic and clinical data, enabling high-quality biomedical research across multiple health domains. The system collects detailed information on household and individual characteristics, socio-economic status, vital events, migration, health history, and causes of death. Demographic data are updated annually, while clinical data are recorded daily.

The surveillance area includes two health centers and a referral district hospital offering comprehensive services, including laboratory diagnostics, imaging, inpatient care, maternity, pediatrics, surgery, and nutritional care. As of November 2024, all Manhiça HDSS field activities have been suspended due to a lack of financial resources. In 2022, HDSS activities were expanded to the Quelimane District in Zambezia Province, in central Mozambique.

A baseline census was conducted in 2022, followed by the first round of demographic surveillance in March 2024. Quelimane District includes both urban and rural areas, with Quelimane City under municipal administration, while rural zones fall under the district government. The district is bordered by the Rio dos Bons Sinais to the south, Namacurra to the north, Inhassunge to the south, Nicoadala to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the east. 5 km².

Around 72% of the population lives in urban areas. The region has a tropical savanna climate and is frequently affected by seasonal flooding. From 2020 to 2022, CISM also operated an HDSS in Mopeia District, though field activities are currently suspended due to the absence of ongoing projects in that location.