AYV News, June 25, 2026
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and with technical support from ICF, has commenced a three-week Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) Pre-Test Training of Trainers workshop aimed at preparing field personnel for the upcoming nationwide survey.
The training brings together key stakeholders, technical experts, participants, and sector representatives to strengthen capacity on survey instruments and methodologies ahead of the pre-testing of questionnaires that will be used during the implementation of the survey.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the Director of Demographic, Health and Social Statistics at Statistics Sierra Leone, Mohamed Koblo Kamara, highlighted the importance of the Demographic and Health Survey, describing it as one of the country’s most significant national surveys.
He noted that the DHS provides critical data on maternal and child health, nutrition, fertility, mortality, and other key development indicators, serving as an important source of information for the Ministry of Health and other institutions involved in planning and development.
Mr. Kamara urged participants to actively engage in the training and maintain high professional standards throughout the exercise, emphasizing that quality data is essential for evidence-based decision-making and effective national development planning.
Representing ICF, Hanna Useem expressed optimism about the collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the survey.
She described the DHS as a vital exercise that will contribute significantly to strengthening Sierra Leone’s health and demographic data systems and commended Stats SL for its continued efforts in producing reliable statistics to support national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist Nelson Fofanah underscored the importance of the survey in assessing the effectiveness of health interventions across the country.
According to him, the DHS enables the Ministry to monitor progress in healthcare service delivery, identify gaps, and evaluate the impact of programmes and interventions. He added that the survey remains a key source of evidence for policy formulation, programme implementation, and resource allocation within the health sector.
Delivering the keynote address and officially opening the workshop, Andrew Bob Johnny, Statistician General and Chief Executive Officer of Statistics Sierra Leone, emphasized the crucial role the Demographic and Health Survey plays in informing national health policies and development programmes.
He noted that Sierra Leone has conducted several DHS rounds over the years, each providing valuable data that has guided planning and development initiatives. He further stated that future government and donor-supported health interventions will rely heavily on the findings of the forthcoming survey.
Mr. Johnny encouraged participants to remain focused, disciplined, and committed throughout the training, stressing that the success of the survey depends on the professionalism and dedication of those involved in the data collection process.
A Demographic and Health Survey is a nationally representative household survey that collects standardized data on population, health, and nutrition. The survey provides critical information on fertility, maternal and child health, nutrition, mortality, and other health indicators, helping policymakers, development partners, researchers, and public health officials make informed decisions and track development progress.
The three-week training is expected to equip participants with the technical skills necessary to ensure the successful pre-testing and eventual implementation of the nationwide survey.
