Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), has engaged the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), in a strategic meeting focused on the implementation plan for the upcoming Demographic and Health Survey (DHS).
Held in a cordial atmosphere, the meeting aimed to provide a status update on the DHS and to deliberate on the roadmap for its successful rollout. Attendees included the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby; the Statistician-General of Sierra Leone, Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sartie Kanneh; Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Tom Sesay; Director of Public Policy and Information; Director of Demographic, Health, and Social Statistics Division (DHHSD) at Stats SL, Mr. Mohamed Koblo Kamara; and other senior officials.
Statistician-General Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny presented a comprehensive update on the DHS process, highlighting ongoing coordination with ICF, the international technical partner supporting DHS implementation globally. He noted that a review of the DHS budget has been completed and adjustments to the project document are currently underway.
In his remarks, Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby praised Stats SL for its continued dedication to delivering credible and essential statistical data that supports national development.
“We are eager for the DHS to be implemented this year. The Ministry urgently needs updated DHS data, as we have been operating with the 2019 report, which is now outdated for effective planning and execution of our health programs,” Dr. Demby stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s full support and commitment to the successful implementation of the survey.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sartie Kanneh added that Stats SL should aim to complete all remaining processes and finalize the signing of the official DHS implementation contract within two weeks.
The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) is a large-scale, nationally representative household survey that gathers critical data on health and demographic indicators. It is a key tool for monitoring and evaluating programs related to population, health, and nutrition, especially in developing countries
