The 2010-2011 Afghanistan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) is a nationally representative sample survey that presents data on the social, health, and educational status of women and children in Afghanistan. It was conducted in 2010-2011 by the Central Statistics Organisation (CSO) of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, with the technical and financial support of NICEF. The survey is based on the need to monitor progress towards goals and targets emanating from recent international agreements such as the Millennium Declaration and the Plan of Action of A World Fit For Children. It further helps track progress towards the Afghan Government s policy commitments to reduce poverty and support the wellbeing of women and children, such as the commitments made through the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS). The primary objectives of the Afghanistan MICS 2010-2011 include the following: To provide up-to-date information for assessing the situation of children and women in Afghanistan; To generate data on the situation of children and women, including the identification of vulnerable groups and of disparities. To furnish data required for monitoring progress toward goals established in the Millennium Declaration and other internationally agreed upon goals; To serve as the evidence basis for future action and programming design, and to inform relevant policies and interventions; To contribute to the improvement of data and monitoring systems in Afghanistan and to strengthen technical expertise in the design, implementation, and analysis of such systems.
