Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) and UNICEF have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a way of expressing their strongest support and commitment to the successful conduct of the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2024 (MICS-7 2024).

The MoU is a document that clearly defines the framework of the roles and responsibilities of Stats SL and UNICEF for the successful conduct of MICS-7 2024. It also seeks to promote financial accountability and efficient management of resources by both parties.

The MoU signing attracted the presence of the Country Representative of UNICEF, the Statistician General/ CEO of Stats SL, Directors and staff of Stats SL, the Project Cordinator of HISWA, the MICS-7 Lead Consultant, and members of the media.

Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, the Country Representative, Rudolf Schwenk, expressed delight in Stats SL’s continuous support towards the conduct of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey since it inception in the country.

He noted that UNICEF is committed to working by the dictates of the MoU and supporting Stats SL to collect credible data on the condition and status of women and children in the country.

In the same vain, the Statistician General and CEO of Stats SL, Andrew Bob Johnny, thanked UNICEF for being a supportive partner to Stats SL. He re-echoed the fruitful and longstanding working relationship between Stats SL and UNICEF.

He also accounted for the outstanding records of Stats SL when it comes to the conduct of the MICS.

He ended by stating Stats SL’s readiness to successfully conduct 2024 MICS-7.

The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey is a household survey that seeks to assess the situation and condition of women and children living in Sierra Leone. The data gathered from the study will be useful to make informed decisions and formulate policies that will help to improve the well-being of women, youths, and children living in the country.

The event climaxed with both parties, penning down their signature on the MoU as a way of reaffirming genuine commitment towards the ideals of credible data collection for national development.