Tonga has launched the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), making it the first Pacific Island nation to do so in 2024.
A statement from the Tonga Statistics Department said the survey, which is supported by UNICEF, provides the most extensive global household data on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to the health and welfare of children and families.
With the theme “Building a Safer, Healthier, and Sustainable Future for Tonga,” the Tonga Statistics Department has launched this national initiative, expecting it to provide crucial insights for both local and global progress tracking. “The data from MICS 2024 will significantly enhance our ability to monitor and report on national and regional priorities,” said Telekaki Latavao, Tonga MICS 2024 Manager. Covering all five main administrative islands, the survey’s data collection is set for completion by mid-December 2024.
UNICEF Pacific Representative Jonathan Veitch praised Tonga’s efforts, noting, “The data will help identify rural/urban, gender, and age disparities, allowing decision-makers to target resources effectively, ensuring all Tongan children can thrive.”
Tonga’s MICS 2024 has already begun a seven-week intensive fieldwork program, following a four-week training session designed to equip enumerators with international-standard skills and knowledge. Australia’s High Commissioner to Tonga, Brek Batley, emphasized Australia’s support, saying, “We look forward to seeing how this data supports Tonga’s resilience and growth.”
The Tonga MICS 2024 is a collaborative effort involving the Tonga Statistics Department, UNICEF, and UNFPA, with funding from Tonga’s government, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and UNICEF.
Tonga is one of 15 nations to start MICS7, with the Federated States of Micronesia set to join the effort soon. MICS has been a cornerstone in generating reliable data on children’s and women’s well-being worldwide since its inception in 1995, adapting to modern data needs with over 200 indicators in this latest round.
