Unicef, BBS launch project to collect data on children, women

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and Unicef officially announced the launch of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS): Round 7 (2024-2025) to collect essential data on children and women, gathering critical evidence on their lives and access to essential services.

The launching event took place at BBS Auditorium in Agargaon where Md Shahiduzzaman Sarker, state minister for Ministry of Planning attended the programme as chief guest, while Sheldon Yett, country representative of Unicef Bangladesh was the guest of honour. The director general of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics chaired the programme.

MICS is a household survey and an important source of data for national authorities to guide them in formulating policies, plans, and programmes.

The upcoming MICS will include nearly 200 health, nutrition, water, sanitation, education, and child protection indicators. These data points are crucial for monitoring progress toward achieving the ambitious UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and evaluating the 8th Five-Year Plan 2020-2025.

Among some of the new features of this round, MICS will collect data on blood lead levels (BLL), heavy metals, micronutrients, and anaemia for the first time in Bangladesh. This is vital as environmental health risks significantly impact children's health, with nearly one in three deaths among children under five being preventable by addressing these risks.

In the programme, Shahiduzzaman Sarker said, "I congratulate BBS and UNICEF for initiating the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey that will provide accurate information on the needs of children and disadvantaged women in our country, allowing us to address data gaps on the Sustainable Development Goals and enable effective planning and implementation through timely data."

During the launch, Sheldon Yett said, "Unicef is proud to collaborate with the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics to conduct the next round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, a critical source of data on the fulfilment of rights and wellbeing of children in this country."

Mentionable, BBS and Unicef have collaborated for decades to conduct MICS surveys. The first MICS in Bangladesh was launched 30 years ago, and subsequent rounds have significantly contributed to improving the lives of women and children in the country.

This wealth of data has been a game changer for achieving children's rights, and the work developed by Unicef, policymakers, the government, and partners.