By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) and UNICEF have, in partnership commenced data collection for the seventh round of the Zimbabwe Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS7), to get national comprehensive information on children, women and men’s welfare.
In a statement, ZIMSTAT said the survey is a critical tool for collecting national socio-economic indicators affecting children and families.
The last survey was conducted in 2019.
“The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) is an international household survey program designed to collect estimates of key indicators that assess the situation of children and women,” ZIMSTAT said.
Over the past three decades, MICS has expanded from covering 28 indicators in its first round to more than 200 in the current round.
The survey now provides essential data on child protection, early childhood education, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), social protection, and gender.
“MICS is the only survey that specifically covers a broad range of topics directly impacting the rights and well-being of children in Zimbabwe,” ZIMSTAT said.
The 2025 MICS will track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and the UNICEF Country Programme.
The results will also support the evaluation of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and inform the formulation of NDS2, guiding evidence-based policy, budgeting, and advocacy for children’s welfare.
Enumerators trained with support from the Government of Zimbabwe and UNICEF will visit households in selected areas nationwide.
They will carry official MICS identification and regalia for authentication.
ZIMSTAT said that all information collected is strictly confidential and will be used solely for statistical purposes.
“ZIMSTAT calls upon all selected households to cooperate fully with enumerators and provide accurate information. The credibility and success of this important national initiative depend on the active participation of every household,” the agency said.
The MICS7 survey is being implemented under the authority of the Census and Statistics Act and aims to provide policymakers with reliable data to support the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of development programs for children and families.