The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) is a household survey programme developed by UNICEF to assist countries in filling data gaps for monitoring human development in general and the situation of children and women in particular. MICS is capable of producing statistically sound, internationally comparable estimates of social indicators. The current round of MICS is focused on providing a monitoring tool for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the World Fit for Children (WFFC), as well as for other major international commitments, such as the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on HIV/AIDS and the Abuja targets for malaria. The 2006 Iraq Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey has as its primary objectives: To provide up-to-date information for assessing the situation of children and women in Iraq; To furnish data needed for monitoring progress toward goals established by the Millennium Development Goals and the goals of A World Fit For Children (WFFC) as a basis for future action; To contribute to the improvement of data and monitoring systems in Iraq and to strengthen technical expertise in the design, implementation and analysis of such systems. Survey Content MICS questionnaires are designed in a modular fashion that was customized to the needs of the country. They consist of a household questionnaire, a questionnaire for women aged 15-49 and a questionnaire for children under the age of five (to be administered to the mother or caretaker). Other than a set of core modules, countries can select which modules they want to include in each questionnaire. Survey Implementation The survey was implemented by the Central Organization for Statistics and Information Technology (COSIT), the Kurdistan Region Statistics Office (KRSO) and Suleimaniya Statistical Directorate (SSD), in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MOH). The survey also received support and assistance of UNICEF and other partners. Technical assistance and training for the surveys was provided through a series of regional workshops, covering questionnaire content, sampling and survey implementation; data processing; data quality and data analysis; report writing and dissemination.
