QNA
Doha
The National Planning Council (NPC) on Monday unveiled the results of the 2023 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), conducted in partnership with UNICEF.
Speaking at a press conference held at the NPC headquarters on Monday, Director-General of the National Statistics Center, Ahmed Al Obaidli, and Director of UNICEF’s Office in Qatar, Anthony McDonald, stressed the importance of the survey’s results and their role in providing data and assessing the health status of mothers and children in Qatar, while praising the collaborative efforts between NPC and UNICEF.
Director of the Statistical Operations Affairs Department at the Council Saud Al Shammari presented the key findings of the MICS that was carried out as part of the Qatar’s Global Cluster Survey Programme in 2023, covering a sample of 6,000 households, with a response rate of 98 percent, and a total of 17,104 interviews.
Shammari said the survey results encompass a wide array of indicators related to the demographic characteristics of society, reproductive health issues, maternal health, early pregnancies, and prenatal and antenatal care, as well as awareness of HIV.
Moreover, MICS provides indicators on child health, nutrition and development, along with issues of early childhood education, basic education enrolment, parental involvement in children’s education, and issues of child and women’s protection. Finally, it examines equitable opportunities in life, well-being and functional abilities of both children and parents.
The attendees highlighted that the results serve the work of relevant authorities and underscored the importance of maximising the use of such data by conducting in-depth analytical studies on key issues related to the survey’s results, as well as implementing qualitative follow-up studies.
The implementation of this survey is part of the NPC’s commitment to providing high-quality data to assess Qatar’s population status. It helps update crucial information to track progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while guiding national policies and strategies to promote greater equality for children.
The survey also strengthens collaboration between UNICEF and Qatar, focusing on child rights, child health, and the development of life skills.