Observational Studies

Disease Surveillance

At Wits VIDA, observational studies are a cornerstone of our research, providing critical insights into the causes, patterns, and outcomes of infectious diseases across communities. By closely monitoring populations over time, we generate evidence that strengthens public health policies, guides vaccine introduction, and informs global health strategies.

Our observational research includes:

  • Maternal and infant health surveillance, tracking infections and outcomes during pregnancy and early life.

  • Hospitalisation and mortality surveillance, including the use of minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) to uncover true causes of death.

  • Respiratory and pneumococcal disease surveillance, enabling early detection and response to emerging pathogens.

  • Population-based platforms such as the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), linking community data with health outcomes.

Through these studies, VIDA has built a reputation for high-quality, policy-relevant evidence that influences both national and international health agendas. Our teams work hand-in-hand with communities, ensuring that research is culturally appropriate, ethical, and impactful.