Series Information
In 1998, UNICEF embarked on a process of helping countries assess progress for children at end-decade in relation to the World Summit for Children goals (New York, 1990).
Indicators
The list of global indicators being used to assess progress at end-decade was developed through extensive consultation, both within UNICEF, particularly with Programme Division and the Regional Offices, and with WHO, UNESCO and the ILO. The global indicator list can be found in Annex 1 of the Executive Directive EXD/1999-03 dated 23 April 1999.
Mid decade experience
There are numerous sources of data for measuring progress at country level, but many either do not function well enough to give current and quality data, or do not provide the data required for assessing progress. Household surveys are capable of filling many of these data gaps. The mid-decade assessment led to 100 countries collecting data using the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), household surveys developed to obtain specific mid-decade data, or via MICS questionnaire modules carried by other surveys. By 1996, 60 developing countries had carried out stand-alone MICS, and another 40 had incorporated some of the MICS modules into other surveys. The mid-decade questionnaire and manual, the countries where a standalone MICS was implemented.
The end-decade assessment
The end-decade MICS questionnaire and manual have been developed specifically to obtain the data for 63 of the 75 end-decade indicators. These draw heavily on experiences with the mid-decade MICS and the subsequent MICS evaluation. The content is organized into question modules, for countries to adopt or omit according to the data already available. The development of the end-decade MICS questionnaire and manual has drawn on an even wider spread of organizations than the mid-decade MICS. They include WHO, UNESCO, ILO, UNAIDS, the United Nations Statistical Division, CDC Atlanta, MEASURE (USAID), Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and others.
Abstract
The 2000 Sudan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS2) is a nationally representative survey of households, women and children. The objectives of the survey are to provide upto- date information for assessing the situation of children and women in Sudan and to furnish data needed for monitoring progress toward goals established at the World Summit for Children as a basis for future action.
In Sudan, a major joint effort was put into the development of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) for the end decade review and as a tool for monitoring the situation of children and women during the 2000. The survey results have kept the promise of promoting and monitoring progress towards achievement of the end decade goals. Three extra modules were added to the main questionnaire to cover new issues: wealth index for poverty analysis, children in need of special protection measures, and female genital mutilation. Data were for the first time disaggregated not only by gender and age groups but also by state thus highlighting geographical disparities as well. The survey was carried out successfully in partnership with the Government of Sudan, UNICEF and the World Bank. The co-ordination between the different line ministries, government institutions, UN agencies, Universities and NGOs was a key factor and a prime mover for producing good quality work. The leading role of the technical and steering committees has to be acknowledged. The spirit of teamwork fostered and led by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Central Bureau of Statistics during the course of implementation is commendable.
