The Government of South Sudan, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched the 2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS7) in Juba, marking a significant step toward addressing the country’s development challenges.
The survey, part of the global MICS programme, is designed to produce reliable data to inform policymaking and tackle critical issues such as health, education, and child welfare.
Finance and Economic Planning Minister Marial Dongrin Ater described the initiative as a vital tool for national progress. “This survey will generate up to 170 key statistical indicators, including 38 linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 25 focused on children’s well-being,” he said.
Mr Ater emphasised that the findings would enable the government to design policies that better meet the needs of its citizens. He also reaffirmed the Revitalized Government of National Unity’s commitment to prioritising human capital, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
Dr Augustino Ting Mayai, Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics, highlighted the lack of reliable data since the last comprehensive survey 15 years ago. He said MICS7 would provide crucial insights into areas such as health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation, hygiene, and child protection.
“Without credible statistics, our ability to allocate resources efficiently and monitor progress is severely constrained,” Dr Mayai said. He urged government ministries, development partners, civil society, and policymakers to integrate the survey’s findings into their planning processes.
UNICEF’s Deputy Representative for South Sudan, Obia Achieng, praised the collaborative effort and reaffirmed the organisation’s support for the government’s initiatives. “For us to grow in any sphere of life, we need data,” she said.
Ms Achieng added that the data would help track progress toward the SDGs and inform strategic plans to improve the lives of women and children.
The data collection phase is expected to take approximately two and a half months, with preliminary analysis scheduled for June to July 2025. The $4.2 million project will involve over 100 field researchers, with a strong representation of young women.