By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
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 at Theresa Sesay Hall on Kennedy Street, Freetown.
The workshop began on 23 June 2026 and is aimed at equipping field personnel with the knowledge and skills required for effective data collection ahead of the upcoming nationwide survey.
The training brings together key stakeholders, technical experts, participants, and sector representatives to build capacity on survey instruments and prepare for the pre-testing of questionnaires that will guide the implementation of the exercise.
The Director of Demographic, Health and Social Statistics at Stats SL, Mohamed Koblo Kamara, explained the purpose of the training and the significance of the survey. He described the DHS as one of the country’s most important national surveys, providing critical indicators on maternal and child health, nutrition, fertility, and other key development areas.
He noted that the survey serves as a vital source of data for the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, supporting evidence-based decision-making and programme planning. Kamara called on participants to actively engage in the training and maintain high standards throughout the exercise, emphasizing that quality data is essential for national development planning.
Representing ICF, Hanna Useem expressed support for the collaboration with Stats SL in achieving the objectives of the survey. She described the DHS as an exercise that will strengthen the country’s health and demographic data systems. Useem reaffirmed ICF’s commitment to supporting Stats SL throughout the survey process and commended the institution for its contribution to national development statistics.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist Nelson Fofanah highlighted the importance of the DHS in assessing the effectiveness of health interventions across the country. He said the survey enables the Ministry to track progress in service delivery, identify gaps, and evaluate the impact of health programmes and services.
He added that the DHS remains an essential component of Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, providing evidence to guide policy formulation, programme implementation, and resource allocation. According to him, many of the Ministry’s interventions are informed by data generated through surveys such as the DHS.
Delivering the keynote address and officially opening the training, the Statistician-General and Chief Executive Officer of Stats SL, Andrew Bob Johnny, underscored the importance of the Demographic and Health Survey in informing national health policies and programmes. He noted that Sierra Leone has conducted several rounds of the DHS over the years, each contributing valuable data for planning and development.
Johnny urged participants to take the training seriously, stating that the survey will play a key role in monitoring progress on health indicators and improving the well-being of citizens. He added that future health interventions by government and development partners will be guided by the findings of the survey.
He further encouraged participants to remain focused, disciplined, and committed throughout the training, stressing that quality is paramount and that the success of the survey depends on the professionalism and dedication of those involved.
A Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) is a nationally representative household survey that collects standardized data on population, health, and nutrition. It provides information on fertility, maternal and child health, nutrition, mortality, and other key health indicators, helping policymakers, development partners, researchers, and public health officials make informed decisions and track development progress.