Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) has launched a large-scale household survey to collect essential data on blood lead levels, heavy metals, micronutrients, and anemia in children and women.
This comprehensive data collection effort, part of the “Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS): Round 7 (2024-2025),” is supported by UNICEF.
The survey is expected to provide crucial data to guide national authorities in formulating policies, plans, and programs. Md. Shahiduzzaman Sarker, Minister of State, Ministry of Planning, inaugurated the survey at the BBS Auditorium in the capital on Tuesday.
Congratulating BBS and UNICEF, the state minister said, “The survey will provide accurate information on the needs of children and disadvantaged women in our country, allowing us to address data gaps on the Sustainable Development Goals and enable effective planning and implementation through timely data.”
For the first time, the survey will include features such as blood lead levels (BLL), heavy metals, micronutrients, and anemia.
These new features are vital as environmental health risks significantly impact children’s health, with nearly one in three deaths among children under five being preventable by addressing these risks.
BBS and UNICEF have collaborated for decades to conduct MICS surveys.
The first MICS in Bangladesh was launched 30 years ago, and subsequent rounds have significantly contributed to improving the lives of women and children in the country.
This data has been instrumental in achieving children’s rights and guiding the work of UNICEF, policymakers, the government, and partners.
The upcoming MICS will include nearly 200 indicators related to health, nutrition, water, sanitation, education, and child protection.
These data points are crucial for monitoring progress toward achieving the ambitious UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and evaluating the 8th Five-Year Plan (2020-2025).
During the launch, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh, Sheldon Yett, said, “UNICEF is proud to collaborate with the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics to conduct the next round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, a critical source of data on the fulfilment of rights and wellbeing of children in this country.”
The survey will be conducted nationwide, including Dhaka North and Dhaka South city corporations, with a separate component covering issues facing the Rohingya refugee population in the country.
Detailed survey plans, budgets, and questionnaires will be finalized in collaboration with BBS.
The MICS survey is generously supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and The World Bank.
Among others, Dr. Shahnaz Arefin, Secretary, Statistics and Information Division, Ministry of Planning, and Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Director General of BBS, were present.