The Ouagadougou Health and Demographic Surveillance System – OUAGA HDSS

 

Research on Vulnerability in Urban African Populations

Until recently, most development efforts in Africa have focused on rural areas. Since the continent is rapidly becoming more urbanized and the number of poor people living in urban areas is growing, it is important to include urban populations in development efforts. The objective of the Ouagadougou Health and Demographic Surveillance System is to create awareness of the vulnerability of urban African populations and to contribute, develop and evaluate programs that fight poverty in urban areas.

The following dimensions reflect the perilous circumstances currently facing households in developing countries.

Dimension 1: Difficulties in income generation 
Dimension 2: Unexpected emergencies and high number of dependants
Dimension 3: Impact of health problems
Dimension 4: Difficulty of access to social services.

These aspects vary in specific ways in urban African settings and in particular, in Ouagadougou. Research at the OUAGA HDSS focuses on fighting urban poverty for each and every dimension.