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The Maldives will conduct a nationwide health survey next year to collect updated information on the health and wellbeing of the population.
Mariyam Adheela
Male’: The government of Maldives has decided to conduct a nationwide Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) next year to gather updated information on the health and wellbeing of people in the Maldives.
Health Minister Dr Geela Ali said preparations are underway to begin the survey early next year.
The MICS will collect information on more than 100 indicators. These will include public health, child protection and education.
The survey will also collect information on mental health and help identify major health issues affecting communities.
Geela said the survey will require significant funding. The government plans to spend MVR150 million on the project, with additional support from UNICEF and the World Health Organization.
Preparations are already underway, including developing the survey questions and selecting the islands and people who will take part.
The minister said the final report is expected to be completed and published by the middle of next year.
The Maldives previously conducted MICS surveys in 1996 and 2001. The country’s most recent major national health survey was the 2016-17 Demographic and Health Survey.
