491 Peter Mokaba Ridge Road, Durban
+27 31 203 4727

HDSS Nodes

HDSS Nodes

DIMAMO 

Population Health Research Centre

DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre (PHRC) operates as a rural node of SAPRIN's Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), situated in the Eastern Region of Capricorn District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Covering a population of approximately 116,000 individuals across various villages under the traditional leadership of Tribal Authorities of Dikgale, J Mamabolo, AMamabolo, and Mothibia. DIMAMO PHRC focuses on population health research in a rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged area.

Since its establishment in 1995, DIMAMO PHRC has conducted triannual surveillance, now using telephone-based data collection methods. With the assistance of household proxies, this surveillance captures vital information such as births, deaths, migrations, and household socio-demographics. Additionally, an annual individual bio-behavioural survey is conducted with over 65,000 consenting individuals aged 15 and above residing in the surveillance area. This comprehensive data collection approach ensures the collection of intensive longitudinal data that is linked over time and provides a comprehensive understanding of participants' health and sociodemographic profiles.

DIMAMO PHRC's history dates to 1995 when it began visiting households to record the name, age, and education of each household member, covering a total population of approximately 8,000 individuals. Over the years, the site has expanded its coverage, reaching approximately 42,000 individuals in 2010 and further expanding to encompass approximately 100,000 individuals in 2018. Currently, the population under surveillance stands at approximately 116,000.

DIMAMO PHRC plays a vital role in assisting the government in planning services related to health, social issues, and strengthening the evidence base for developing and targeting policies and programs. The site also assesses demographic dynamics such as births, deaths, and migrations, and provides risk sets (e.g., for HIV and cardiovascular diseases) as well as outcome measures for evaluating interventions.

Located at an elevation of 1711 meters above sea level, Dikgale experiences a subtropical steppe climate (Classification: BSh). The district has an average yearly temperature of 23.08ºC, which is 1.86% higher than the South African average. Dikgale typically receives around 57.3 millimetres of precipitation and has 84.31 rainy days annually, accounting for approximately 23.1% of the time.

DIMAMO PHRC places a strong emphasis on community engagement. The Community Engagement (CE) unit is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that mobilise community members to contribute, advocate, and volunteer in services that support the project's goals. An established Community Advisory Board (CAB), comprising community members and leaders from the study area, provides guidance and strategies for planning, facilitation, and development services. Together, the CE unit and CAB create and implement a long-term community engagement plan, ensuring consistent and effective communication, engagement, and feedback. DIMAMO PHRC utilises a bulk SMS system to communicate with community members, including the dissemination of public service announcements

Contact DIMAMO

Get in touch via eric.maimela@ul.ac.za

Address

SAMRC Durban Office

  491 Peter Mokaba Ridge Road

  Overport, Durban, 4091

+27 31 203 4727

saprin@mrc.ac.za

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The South African Medical Research Council recognizes the catastrophic and persisting consequences of colonialism and apartheid, including land dispossession and the intentional imposition of educational and health inequities. Acknowledging the SAMRC’s historical role in, and silence on, health and research inequalities during apartheid, the organisation commits its capacities and resources to continued promotion of equity and dignity in health and health care.

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