Statistics Sierra Leone launches 2013 SLDHS Final Report
Freetown, Oct. 1, 014 (MOHS) – Statistics Sierra Leone in collaboration with development partners have launched the Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey 2013 Report at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown. (A cross-section of the audience)
Launching the survey, the Minister of State, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji Foday Mansaray said in January this year, they launched the preliminary report of the 2013 Demographic and Health Survey, and now the final report in accordance with the time line specified for delivering the report.
Minister of State, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji Foday Mansaray delivering his launching address
He extended government’s appreciation for the good works of Statistics Sierra Leone in conducting the survey within the specified five-year time interval, which shows that Sierra Leone is making efforts to conform to international standards and the fundamental principles on statistics.
Alhaji Foday Mansaray noted that the timeline of the survey is critical in monitoring and evaluating the achievement of the goals and targeted established structures within national and international development frameworks, such as the Millennium Development Goals, Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers and Sierra Leone’s Agenda for Change. He added that the results presented in this final DHS Report represents a valuable tool in assessing the progress the country has made in the last few years, and in setting benchmarks for the assessment of Sierra Leone’s Agenda for Prosperity.
The Minister of State informed his audience that quality and timely data are required to assess the progress the nation has made in achieving the MDGs as they approach 2015, adding that the results of the 2013 DHS will indicate whether they are at the threshold of achieving universal primary education, fully promoting gender equality and empowering women, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and good sanitation facilities for the citizens.
He assured all that after the eradication of the Ebola, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development will continue to lead the advocacy for the devotion of commensurate resources to Statistics activities, especially to the 2015 Primary Health Care which still has a funding gap, and commended development partners for their invaluable financial support to the DHS process.
Deputy Health and Sanitation Minister I, Mr. Foday Sawi, on behalf of the Ministry of Health commended Statistics Sierra Leone and partners for the bold step in launching the Final Report.
Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation I, Mr. Foday Sawi making his speech
He said surveys generated data and information which enables individuals, institutions and even a country to make informed decision about what to do and why. Mr. Sawi reiterated that surveys also enable them to undertake effective planning, as well as facilitates quality advocacy either for resource generation or change behavior.
Mr. Foday Sawi informed his audience that President Koroma prioritized health in his administration both in the Agenda for Change and Agenda for Prosperity, and as a result lot of resources including funds, human capital and time into the health service delivery system articulated both by government and partners.
He said in spite of the constraints and the environment of operations, both government and its partners did reasonably well in many areas of their interventions over the period.
The Deputy Minister reminded institutions that they must use the data generated, and the available information well, to give a critical look at the policy and to strategically plan as they look beyond the Ebola scourge.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sarian Kamara, Chairperson for the occasion
The Statistician General, Mohamed King Koroma said Statistics Sierra Leone was given the mandate to collect and process data on key health and social indicators that will influence interventions geared towards improving the health sector and other development plans.
The High Table (R-L) Deputy Health Minister I, Mr. Foday Sawi, Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Foday Mansaray, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sarian Kamara and Statistician General, Mohamed King Kamara
Statements were also made by the Chairman, Statistics Sierra Leone Council, Dr. Sullay Kamara, representatives from UNFPA, the National AIDS Secretariat, and Chairperson for the occasion, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sarian Kamara.
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