The Sudan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), was conducted from August to December 2014 at national level covering all eighteen states. The MICS was designed to collect information on a variety of socioeconomic and health indicators required to inform the planning, implementation and monitoring of national policies and programs for the enhancement of the welfare of women and children. The survey was carried out by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) in collaboration with the ministries of health, welfare, general education, national environment, and national water cooperation as part of the global MICS program. Technical support was provided by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Food Program (WFP) and the Department for International Development (DfID) UK, provided financial support. MICS surveys measure key indicators that allow countries to generate accurate evidence for use in policies and programs, and to monitor progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other internationally agreed upon commitments. The Sudan Multiple Indicator Survey is a nationally representative sample survey. Interviews were successfully completed in 15,801 households drawn from a sample of 18,000 households in all 18 states of Sudan with an overall response rate of 98 percent. 20,327 women in the 15-49 years age group, and 14,751 children under 5 years of age. The specific objectives of the survey is to: 1. Update information for assessing the situation of children and women in Sudan based on MICS5 modules and geographical coverage of the 18 States in Sudan. 2. Measure the trend towards achievement of the MDGs and the goals of a World Fit For Children Plan of Action and other internationally agreed upon indicators related to children and women. 3. Furnish data needed for the indicators as per the global review of the Millennium Development Goals. 4. Contribute to the improvement of data and monitoring systems in Sudan and to strengthen technical expertise, national capacity building in the design, implementation, and analysis of such systems. 5. Update Census indicators and provide solid evidence for decentralization (planning and measure of progress). 6. Provide key evidence for social sector programming and the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) under development and accountabilities for sector strategic plans and UNDAF 2013-2016. Results presented in this survey have been reviewed by the national MICS Technical Committee and approved by the national MICS Steering Committee. The results are not expected to change and are considered final.
