By Forum staff writer
Statistics Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, has commenced nationwide fieldwork for the 2026 Demographic and Health Survey.
The exercise is being conducted by trained enumerators and supervisors who are visiting households across the country to collect information on important demographic and health issues.
The survey is expected to provide updated data that will help government and development partners better understand the health and living conditions of people across Sierra Leone.
Among the key areas covered by the survey are maternal and child health, nutrition, family planning, malaria, high blood pressure and other non communicable diseases.
The information gathered will support healthcare planning and assist policymakers in identifying areas that require greater attention and resources.
Statistics Sierra Leone said the survey forms part of efforts to generate reliable national data that can guide policies, programmes and development interventions.
Field teams have been trained to visit selected households and collect information from residents as part of the nationwide exercise. Households selected for participation are being encouraged to cooperate with the teams and provide accurate information.
The data collected through the survey is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the country’s demographic and health situation and provide evidence for planning future health services.
Maternal and child health remains an important area of concern in Sierra Leone, while issues such as nutrition, malaria and non communicable diseases continue to require attention from health authorities.
The survey will also provide information on family planning and other health related matters that can help government and partners assess existing programmes and identify gaps in service delivery.
Statistics Sierra Leone is therefore calling on members of the public to welcome survey teams when they visit their communities and households.
The institution has emphasised the importance of providing accurate information, noting that public participation is essential to the success of the exercise.
The findings from the 2026 Demographic and Health Survey are expected to serve as an important source of evidence for national development and healthcare planning.
For households taking part, officials say their contribution can help provide a clearer picture of the country’s health needs and support the development of policies and services that respond to the challenges faced by communities.
Statistics Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation are expected to continue the field exercise across the country as teams gather information for the national survey.
