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The Malawi Journals Project provides a unique perspective on a contemporary epidemic in Africa. Begun in 1999, when HIV incidence and prevalence peaked, it tracked contradictions between survey data and qualitative data. After the first round of the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health (MLSFH) (ICPSR 20840), in 1998, the researchers had a great deal of data about the composition and structure of local social networks in which rural Malawians talked about AIDS. They had not; however, learned much about the content of the social interactions--what people said to each other, rather than to interviewers, about AIDS or their strategies for avoiding infection and death--and even less about the wider everyday interactions that shaped responses to the epidemic.

In 1999 Susan Watkins instituted "The Malawi Journals Project" as a complement to a longitudinal survey that she was conducting in rural Malawi. At that time, Malawians were suffering and dying from a major AIDS epidemic. After the first round of the survey, she found evidence of social desirability bias. For example, when survey interviewers asked men under age 35 how many sexual partners they had, the typical response was that they had only one sexual partner, their wife. In the context of Malawi, as well as other African countries; however, a man with only one partner was so unusual that his survey response was not believable.

Watkins thus developed a new approach to data collection: learning what men and women said to each other rather than to an interviewer. After the first round of the survey the researchers had a great deal of data about the composition and structure of the social networks in which rural Malawians talked about AIDS. They had not; however, learned much about the content of the social interactions--what people said to each other, rather than to interviewers, about AIDS or their strategies for avoiding infection and death--and even less about the wider everyday interactions that shaped responses to the epidemic. Thus, the researchers improvised by commissioning 10 high school graduates, both men and women, who had worked for the survey to be participant observers as they went about their daily routines. They were to pay attention to what their peers said about the AIDS epidemic in their informal social networks, such as walking to a funeral or drinking at a bar, and to write the conversation word for word in a private space. If they overheard anything concerning AIDS, they were to make mental notes of what people said and did, and then write their recollections word-for-word in commonplace school notebooks that evening or soon thereafter. The notebooks were given to a local intermediary who mailed them to the researchers. In 2005, Watkins invited a colleague, Adam Ashforth, an ethnographer who had conducted research in Malawi, to join the Malawi Journals Project

More than 1,000 journals have been written since 1999, each approximately 12 single-spaced typed pages, and each usually covering several different conversations or incidents. Since there are frequently several people conversing, the reader can overhear, at second hand, several thousand people. Twenty-two journalists (9 females, 13 males) have contributed to the corpus of texts, with three (two males, one female) contributing very frequently, 13 frequently, and six only occasionally. The diarists wrote in English, a language learned in school, and used parentheses or carets to set off their explanatory comments or untranslatable expressions in the local language. The handwriting and repetitions suggest they often wrote rapidly. We have retained locutions that reflect local adaptations of English. English is taught in Malawian public schools starting in Standard 5, equivalent to U.S. fifth grade, and has become somewhat indigenized. For example, to be sexually promiscuous is to be "movious" and one who has multiple partners is said to be "moving around," an Anglicization of a Chichewa expression, woyendayenda, derived from the earlier association of multiple partners with migrant labor. The naturalness with which the journalists adapt English to Chichewa, chiYao, or chiTumbuka linguistic forms means that their English is somewhat closer to local languages than is the standard English in which a Canadian, British or American ethnographer might translate local languages. In our publications, we have retained most of the idiosyncrasies in grammar and spelling, although on occasion we insert obviously missing words in brackets and make minor corrections.

Initially, Malawians were convinced that all would die of AIDS, and were skeptical about the attempts of the government and international organizations to reduce new HIV infections. Over the subsequent years, this began to change as conversational partners advised each other to be careful to select their sexual partners with care. By 2017, men and women speaking about AIDS in their social networks acknowledged that times had changed, and the number of new HIV infections had steeply declined.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery.

This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Gabon, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for respondents of the Gabon survey. These "country-specific questions" solicited respondents' opinions on topics such as citizens' contact with their parliamentary senator, performance of senators, level of aid from Central African aid organizations, how oil revenues should be used, who has the right to citizenship in Gabon and solutions to youth unemployment.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery.

This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Zambia, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for respondents of the Zambia survey. These "country specific questions" solicited respondents' opinions on topics such as attitudes toward Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA); expectations of Members of Parliament in their constituency/term; Parliament or Constituency decisions regarding Constituency Development Funds (CDFs); primary source of news regarding deliberations in the National Assembly; domestic and institutional violence; challenges in land acquisition; rights in the sale of land; and attitudes regarding street commerce.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery.

This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of South Africa, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for respondents of the South Africa survey. These "country-specific questions" solicited respondents' opinions on topics such as trust in political and non-political organizations, the government performance, race-based unequal treatment, changes in government, and citizenship.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Swaziland, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the Swaziland survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Senegal, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the Senegal survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery. Questions specific to Senegal addressed several topics, including questions about the 2014 local elections; local issues of employment, leadership, and health; the Court Repression of Illicit Enrichment (CREI); the Senegalese mining industry; the Emerging Senegal Plan (PSE); and religion in politics.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Zimbabwe, and also includes a number of country-specific questions designed specifically for the Zimbabwe survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery. County-specific topics for Zimbabwe include public knowledge of the 2013 constitution, the role of Civil Society Organizations within the country, whether citizens should be directly involved in local and national governance, whether male circumcision should be made mandatory to reduce HIV transmission, public school reforms, the level of involvement the armed forces should have in the political system, and whether the government should indigenize foreign-owned businesses or pursue additional foreign investment.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; inter-regional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery.

This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Sudan, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for respondents of the Sudan survey. These "country-specific questions" solicited respondents'opinions on topics such as the impact of the Arab Spring and the activity of groups such as ISIL (The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) in Sudan.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Burundi, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the Burundi survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance, and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict, and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery. Questions specific to Burundi addressed several topics, including opinions on the judiciary, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the National Commission on Land and Other Assets, and the pre-election context.

These surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, religious affiliation, employment status and occupation, and housing. In addition, the interviewer's gender, race, and education level is provided. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Cape Verde, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the Cape Verde survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Niger, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the Niger survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery. Questions specific to Nigerien respondents included understanding of roles of the government and citizenry in a democracy, political activity and affiliation, motivations for and strategies against joining terrorist/fundamentalist organizations, and the freedom of political expression in Niger.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the São Tomé and Príncipe survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery. Country-specific topics for São Tomé and Príncipe pertain to opinions about governing official and groups including: the Prime Minister, elected mayors, the National Assembly and the National Electoral Commission.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Togo, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the Togo survey.

The data were collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery. The surveys for Togo included specific questions about national issues, the Togolese diaspora, decentralization, and the confidence in the electoral process.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Tunisia, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the Tunisia survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery. Country-specific topics include the Arab Spring and terrorism.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery.

This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Ivory Coast, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for respondents of the Ivory Coast survey. These "country-specific questions" solicited respondents' opinions on topics such as the best solutions for national reconciliation, public and non-public health clinics, and measures for peaceful, free, and fair elections.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Malawi, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the Malawi survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on living conditions; crime; taxation; perceptions of China; political corruption; interregional relations; media sources; community; legal proceedings; tolerance; conflict and insecurity; use of technology; and social service delivery.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Madagascar, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the Madagascar survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; inter-regional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery. "Country-specific questions" focused on mining sector contribution; national reconciliation and development; and political crises.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Namibia, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the Namibia survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery. Country-specific topics for Namibia include series of questions about trust in the Namibian political system, government corruption, government performance, political beliefs and gender-based crime.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Kenya, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the Kenya survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery. This round also contains Kenya specific topics such as local government performance, health services, cooperation between local and national governments, the International Criminal Courts, handling fighting terrorism in Kenya, and others.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Benin, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the Benin survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; inter-regional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery. Country-specific topics for Benin include the impact of free primary education, transparency and participation in local community councils, opinions of state-run health centers, and the prevalence of gender-based violence and discrimination.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public attitude surveys that collects and disseminates data regarding Africans' views on democracy, governance, the economy, civil society, and related issues. This particular data collection was concerned with the attitudes and opinions of the citizens of Ghana, and also includes a number of "country-specific questions" designed specifically for the Ghana survey.

The data are collected from nationally representative samples in face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice. Standard topics for the Afrobarometer include attitudes toward and evaluations of democracy, governance and economic conditions, political participation, and national identity. In addition, Round 6 surveys included special modules on taxation; tolerance; crime, conflict and insecurity; political corruption; interregional relations; perceptions of China; use of technology; and social service delivery.

The surveys also collect a large set of socio-demographic indicators such as age, gender, education level, poverty level, language and ethnicity, and religious affiliation, as well as political party affiliation. Afrobarometer Round 6 surveys were implemented in 36 countries.

The TAZAMA Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) study site is located in the Kisesa and Bukandwe rural electoral wards in the Magu district of the Mwanza Region in Northern Tanzania. The two wards are comprised of six villages. There is one health center and five dispensaries (3 public and 2 private) in the study area. The two wards have eleven government primary schools (at least one in each village) and two secondary schools. Both Mwanza city and Magu town are accessible to residents; buses run along the main road and take about an hour and a half to get to Mwanza. Most of the residents are subsistence farmers; a lot of surplus agricultural produce is traded in Mwanza, which is Tanzania's second city. In the year 2012, the research study covered a population of about 30,000 people who live in the Kisesa and Bukandwe wards. The majority of the residents (about ninety five per cent) belong to the Sukuma ethnic group.

The DSS collects information on births and deaths and movements in and out of the households. It helps researchers to understand the population dynamics in the study area including fertility, mortality and migration patterns. It provides information on the structure of families that live together. The DSS study is also used to identify people who are eligible to participate in the serological surveys (the right age group, and continuously resident rather than just visiting). It provides the data for calculating the denominators for demographic rates.

The objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to improve understanding of the dynamics of the HIV epidemic; (2) to assess the demographic, social and economic impacts of the HIV/AIDS epidemic; (3) to evaluate the effects of national prevention, treatment and care interventions as implemented in Kisesa Ward; (4) to measure child and adult mortality and fertility in the general population and by HIV status; (5) to asses the leading causes of death through verbal autopsy; (6) to assess changes in the family structure due to HIV epidemic; and (7) to provide reliable data for district health planning.