Statistics SL and UNFPA Host US Census Experts as Preps For 2025 Census
Sorie Abubakar Statistics Sierra Leone together with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is set to host technical experts from the US Census Bureau on an assessment and support mission for the 2025 Population and Housing Census (PHC).
The experts, who are already in Freetown, will embark on a week assessment and support mission starting on Monday and ending on Friday, January 17. The mission is expected to serve as a critical step in conducting an evaluation process and to ensure a successful transition to a digital census as proclaimed by President Julius Maada Bio in September last year.
The seven-man team is expected to also look at key components like logistics, legal frameworks, technological infrastructure and human resources before the end of their mission.
Statistics Sierra Leone said this will enable the team to identify weaknesses, opportunities and strengths to ensure the 2025 census is a success.
They said that the transition to a digital census will enable Statistics Sierra Leone to build on its mistakes from the 2021 digital mid-term census.
The 2021 mid-term census faced a lot of criticisms with many experts disagreeing with the data released by Statistics Sierra Leone. However, efforts are being made to ensure their improved data accuracy, timeliness and accessibility to census results.