Statistics Sierra Leone has commenced a six days training for field staff ahead of the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) listing exercise, a critical preparatory phase for the country’s 2026 census.

The six days training initiative was launched on Wednesday, April 15 at Hotel 5-10 in Freetown. The training is scheduled to end on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Speaking at the opening session, Deputy Statistician General Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh emphasized the importance of the training, noting that the listing exercise will form the basis for sampling in the main survey. He cautioned participants that selection for fieldwork will be strictly merit-based.

“We have taken into consideration the decision to offer you the job so that you can come and help us do this work, but of course we have more than the required number,” Kanneh said. “At the end of the day, those who could not do very well will be left out.”

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Kanneh stressed that participants will undergo continuous assessments during the training, adding that performance alone will determine who proceeds to the next stage. “It doesn’t matter any more of who nominated you… at the end of the training, your performances will be examined, and it is only that will determine your future work with us,” he stated.

He further warned against unprofessional conduct, including data manipulation and mishandling of equipment. “Every equipment that will be given to you must be returned back to the office,” he said. “If it comes to our knowledge that you failed to do your work, we will not work with you.”

Highlighting integrity, Kanneh urged trainees to reject corruption. “If anybody tells you to pay bribe, do not pay… it is totally wrong and it affects the whole data collection work,” he added.

Board Chairman Moses Williams, in his welcoming address, underscored the independence of the institution and called on trainees to uphold discipline and professionalism. “We are an independent institution… we are not political because the product we have are for the country,” he said. “You are our ambassadors. Behave yourself well. Only hard work can take you forward.”

Director of Demographic Health and Social Statistics, Kobolo Kamara, described the training as part of the fourth round of DHS activities in Sierra Leone. He explained that the exercise is essential for identifying households to be interviewed. “Listing and mapping exercise… helps to catch the specific house to be interviewed,” Kamara said, urging participants to remain focused and committed. “Having you here is very important for us… we are working for Sierra Leone.”

Also addressing the trainees, Nelson Fofonah of the Ministry of Health highlighted the importance of reliable data for national planning. “For Ministry of Health we rely on DHS for reliable data,” he said. He encouraged participants to take the opportunity seriously, noting the competitive nature of the selection process. “There are a lot of Sierra Leoneans outside waiting for this opportunity,” he said, adding that fieldworkers should aim to contribute positively to the country.

The DHS listing training is a key step in ensuring accurate and credible data collection, which officials say will support evidence-based decision-making and national development planning ahead of the 2026 census.