Samoa has officially launched its first MICS report and the latest nationwide results from the Demographic and Health - Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019-2020 (DHS-MICS, 2019-2020). The survey findings will be a critical source on the well-being of the Samoan population and will contribute to the government’s efforts in the area of social inclusion.
The survey collected data on health, nutrition, child protection, education, water, sanitation and hygiene and domestic violence amongst other topics. The survey results have highlighted some positive outcomes including the achievement of Samoa’s Sustainable Development Goal target for child mortality and improving the number of households with access to sanitation facilities that are not shared. Survey results show that more households are now receiving social transfers and benefits.
“The Samoa DHS-MICS 2019-2020 report launched provides the latest evidence-based data, to enrich knowledge about the health and well-being of the Samoan people,” said the Hon. Minister of Samoa Bureau of Statistics, Afioga Leota Laki Lamositele Sio. “On behalf of the Government of Samoa, I would like to thank our key partners, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Pacific Community (SPC), for their generous financial and technical support for the survey. Samoa continues to appreciate durable and effective partnerships with our global and regional partners.”
“I would like to congratulate the Government of Samoa on achieving a major milestone with this DHS-MICS survey,” said UNICEF Pacific Representative, Jonathan Veitch. “The Pacific Islands region is particularly lacking in the much-needed data to steer priorities going forward. UNICEF, together with our partners, continues to stand ready to further support the Government in using this vital data to strengthen the country’s progress.”
The launch of the survey results is very timely as the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all Pacific Island countries. This new data will support the government in its preparedness and response activities to support the country during this global crisis.
The Pacific Island country now joins 118 countries globally in the MICS Programme, as well as four countries in the Pacific releasing MICS data that will greatly assist the government in its strategic policy planning and monitoring. The survey was named DHS-MICS to indicate continuity to the content with previously conducted “national” DHS surveys.
The Samoa DHS-MICS 2019-2020 was led by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with other government ministries. Technical support was provided by UNICEF, UNFPA and SPC. Government resources and financial contributions from UNICEF and UNFPA were used to fund the survey.
Access the survey findings here.
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