Founding documents

INDEPTH

An International Network of field sites with continuous Demographic Evaluation of Populations and Their Health in developing countries
Founding Document
Accepted by Plenary November 10, 1998

Executive Summary

The imperative for a reliable information base to support health development has never been greater. For one billion people living in the world's poorest countries, where the burden of disease is highest, those who are born or who die are still not counted. Ironically, there is a surprising amount of information-generation, research activity, and capacity in data-poor countries. A demographic surveillance system (DSS) provides a platform on which to base a range of health, social, economic and behavioral studies. We propose to link existing field sites able to continuously monitor the health and demographic status of geographically defined populations through a focused network. The prime purpose of the network will be to substantially enhance the capabilities of these sites. A permanent Resource & Training Centre will coordinate the activities of the INDEPTH network.  Read more