Driving Better Health Outcomes Through Demographic Surveillance

Abstract

Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS) generate longitudinal population data that can strengthen public health decision-making in Africa, but many sites remain underutilized due to inconsistent methods, weak interoperability, limited integration with national systems, and constrained digital and financing capacity. In February 2025, the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) launched INSPIRE 2.0 in Dakar to expand collaboration among HDSS sites and advance standardized approaches to data collection, harmonization, visualization, and analysis. Building on growth from five to 25 sites, INSPIRE 2.0 will work with 10�15 HDSS sites to develop scalable methodologies, strengthen capacity, and improve data sharing for comparative studies. The initiative will align HDSS datasets with global standards such as OMOP-CDM and support AI and machine learning applications to improve data quality and generate predictive insights. Overall, INSPIRE 2.0 aims to reposition HDSS as more integrated, sustainable, and responsive tools for national and regional health priorities.