Started in 1990 specifically studying malaria epidemiology and immunology in nine villages, the Wosera demographic surveillance site (DSS) expanded to 30 villages in 1995. It is part of the INDEPTH network of sentinel sites that provide health and demographic data and research to enable developing countries to set health priorities and policies based on longitudinal evidence. As of 2011, the site included over 16,000 people.

Data collected at the site include an annual census, morbidity surveillance, registration of demographic events (migration, births, deaths, and pregnancies) and verbal autopsies. Specific studies conducted in Wosera include a birth outcome survey, a vaccination survey for GAVI, and a bednet survey funded by the Global Fund. A cause of death study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Queensland, was scheduled to take place in 2012.