In a significant move to enhance data collection and analysis for the welfare of women and children in Sierra Leone, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) and UNICEF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today, marking their collaboration on the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS-7) in 2024.

The signing ceremony, held in Freetown, saw the participation of key figures including UNICEF Country Representative Rudolf Schwenk, Stats SL Statistician General and CEO Andrew Bob Johnny, directors and staff from Stats SL, the Project Coordinator of HISWA, the MICS-7 Lead Consultant, and members of the media.

The MoU establishes a framework for the roles and responsibilities of Stats SL and UNICEF in conducting MICS-7. It aims to ensure financial accountability and efficient resource management, thereby strengthening the survey’s impact on policy-making.

UNICEF’s Rudolf Schwenk expressed his organization’s commitment to the partnership, highlighting the importance of Stats SL’s support for the survey since its inception in Sierra Leone.

“UNICEF is dedicated to working within the framework of the MoU to support Stats SL in collecting credible data on the conditions and status of women and children in the country,” said Schwenk.

Andrew Bob Johnny, CEO of Stats SL, praised UNICEF’s long-standing support and acknowledged the successful collaboration in past surveys. “Stats SL is ready to successfully conduct MICS-7 in 2024,” he stated, emphasizing the agency’s track record of excellence in data collection.

The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey is a household survey designed to assess the situation of women and children in Sierra Leone. The data gathered will inform decision-making and policy formulation aimed at improving the lives of the country’s women, youths, and children.

The event concluded with the formal signing of the MoU by both parties, symbolizing their commitment to accurate data collection and national development.