FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statistical Institute of Belize Signs Memorandum of Understanding for the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7)

Belmopan, Belize – The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding, in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development and UNICEF Belize, to carry out the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7) later this year. This will be the fourth round of the MICS conducted in Belize, with the last one being carried out in 2015.

MICS surveys are among the most important sources of household data in many countries, including Belize, and provide robust data on women and children. It is an essential component for monitoring and reporting on national development policies, such as the Children’s Agenda, the Medium-Term Development Strategy, the Breastfeeding Policy, the Nutrition Policy, the Early Childhood Development Policy, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy, the Education Sector Strategy, the Health Strategic Plan, and the Social Protection Floor Initiative. The MICS is also an important data source for more than 30 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Indicators.

The MICS is one of the largest data collection activities carried out by the SIB. Data will be collected from over 5,000 households across the country during a span of 2-3 months. Residents are encouraged to participate in this survey as the information is essential for informed policy and decision-making.

The MOU was signed by Diana Castillo-Trejo, Director General of the Statistical Institute of Belize, Dr. Osmond Martinez, CEO of the Ministry of Economic Development, and Alison Parker, UNICEF Representative (Belize).

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