The Dabat Research Center (DRC), also known as the Dabat Health and Demographic Surveillance System (Dabat HDSS) site, was established in 1996. The HDSS site covers three geo-climatic zones (ደጋ/cold, ወይናደጋ/temperate and ቆላ/hot). During the first census in 1996, all households were numbered and information on all individuals living in these households was collected. Surveillance continued until 2004 and then interrupted due to financial shortage until August 2007. Then, the second census was conducted in February 2008. In this re-census, a total of 9,533 households was included in the surveillance with a population of 45,912 from 10 randomly selected urban and rural Kebeles/ቀበሌዎች (the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia). Since, 2008, data on pregnancy observation, birth, death, marital status changes, and migration have been collected on biannual basis.
In 2014, another re-census was done aimed to reconcile the routine biannual population updates. In addition, three new Kebeles (one from urban and two from rural) were added into the Dabat HDSS Site. Currently, a total of 13 Kebeles (4 urban and 9 rural),17,000 households and a total population of 70,000 are under follow-up. In the future, we are planning to include three more urban kebeles from Gondar City to enhance geographical representativeness.
Mission
DRC is committed to generate quality longitudinal data for quality research and improve population health by generating scientific evidences, establishing well-defined study population and sampling frame for various research designs, and providing quality research laboratory services for public health interventions.
Vision
DRC aspires to be one of the top ten HDSS sites in East Africa, generating longitudinal data on vital events by the end of 2030.
Values
- Quality research
- Collaboration
- Sustainability
- Community Engagement
- Transparency and Accountability
- Respect to humanity
- Solidarity
- Inclusiveness
Goals
- Generate longitudinal data on vital events (birth, death, migration, marriage, etc.)
- Identify population level causes of deaths using verbal autopsy method
- Conduct molecular to population level research on priority problems of the society
- Provide relevant and timely information for evidence based decision making at household and individual levels and support research undertakings
- Build and strengthen research and training capacity
- Develop local capacity in the prevention and control of disease
