Vanuatu MICS 2023: A Survey Launched To Improve The Lives Of Children And Women
Port Vila, Vanuatu: On July 15, 2023, the Vanuatu Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2023 officially launched. This significant national initiative aims to gather crucial data on the lives of children and women in Vanuatu.
Why Is The MICS Important?
The MICS 2023 is highly anticipated, as it will provide critical insights into the current situation of children and women in Vanuatu, particularly in the following areas:
- Child health and nutrition: The data will update our understanding of under-five mortality, malnutrition rates, and access to healthcare services.
- Education: The survey will offer insights into school enrollment rates, learning outcomes, and disparities in educational attainment.
- Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH): The MICS will reveal the current state of access to clean water and sanitation facilities, as well as hygiene practices.
- Child protection: The data will shed light on the prevalence of violence against children, child labor, and other forms of exploitation.
- Early childhood development: The survey will provide valuable information on children's cognitive, social, and emotional development.
- Women's empowerment: The MICS will analyze data on women's education, health, and economic participation.
The data collected through the MICS will be used to:
- Inform policy decisions: By identifying areas needing improvement, the government can develop and implement effective policies and programs.
- Track progress: The MICS data will help monitor progress towards achieving national and international development goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Advocate for change: The survey findings can be used to advocate for increased resources for children and women.
Over 60 trained enumerators from the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics (VBoS) conducted household surveys across the country. The data collection phase was completed by the end of 2023.
Currently, the collected data is undergoing the data processing stage. This includes cleaning, verifying, and analyzing the information to ensure its accuracy and reliability. Once this is complete, comprehensive reports will be prepared and disseminated.
The MICS 2023 findings are expected to be released in the first half of 2024. This comprehensive data will be crucial for shaping evidence-based policies and programs that improve the lives of children and women in Vanuatu.
