The Harar Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) is an essential program in Ethiopia that gathers comprehensive data on health and demographics. As a part of the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network, the HDSS aims to collect vital information on births, deaths, migration, and marital status while monitoring overall population health. Additionally, it assesses trends in health, nutrition, agriculture, and environmental changes, evaluates health intervention activities, and disseminates research findings to support public health initiatives.

Located in the urban area of the Harari Regional State, the HDSS covers 12 kebeles (sub-districts) and serves a population of 60,044. Data collection occurs biannually, ensuring that demographic and health-related information remains up to date. The data gathered includes critical aspects such as child immunization rates, morbidity, family planning practices, and verbal autopsies, providing a robust foundation for understanding and improving health outcomes in the region.