Field researches working with HERD International in Nepal share their experiences collecting data for the CHORUS project on Strengthening urban health systems through an urban health data hub. The project is in collaboration with the Budhanikantha Municipality of Kathmandu. The Municipality designed and implemented a household census to feed into the establishment of a Digital Family Health Folder and Urban Health Data Hub, to inform data driven decision making for health.

A thirty-strong team of researchers conducted the household census to gather socio-demographic data on all residents of the Budhanikantha Municipality, along with basic health indicators such as blood pressure, and information on the health problems residents are facing.  In reflecting on their experiences, the researchers describe the realities and challenges of collecting household data in the urban context. They emphasise the importance communication and trust, especially in urban contexts where living arrangements can be more complex. They also share their aspirations as health researchers, to improve the health and wellbeing of through locally driven evidence generation that informs policy, and to strengthen health communication and education among residents.

Video by HERD International, Nepal.