Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati noted during the launch of the "Multidimensional Cluster Survey on Maternal and Child Conditions in Lebanon 2023," held today at the Grand Serail in cooperation with the Central Administration of Statistics and UNICEF, that the success of the projects planned for implementation greatly depends on the availability of statistical information and data, as well as the correction and development of current policies.
Mikati stated that improving maternal and child conditions in Lebanon is "one of the main objectives sought by the Lebanese government and UNICEF," adding that "this survey will provide a considerable number of indicators for sustainable development by 2030."
He emphasized that the success of this study certainly requires the collaboration of official institutions, the Lebanese community as a whole, and residents of Lebanon, as well as the efforts of the study's organizers and local communities, especially those included in the study sample. This cooperation is crucial for responding to the investigators from the Central Administration of Statistics, allowing them to enter homes and conduct surveys.
On his part, UNICEF representative Edward Begbie highlighted the need for strong data to make informed decisions regarding policies and procedures that can more effectively contribute to improving the well-being of children and families. He stated, "Data is equally important for building robust systems that ensure children and youth have access to opportunities to realize their potential and contribute to thriving communities."
UN Coordinator Imran Riza pointed out that the "United Nations Cooperation Framework 2023-2025" signed with the Lebanese government emphasizes the importance of data and its impact on the development process and achieving sustainable goals. He mentioned, "The last cluster survey in Lebanon was in 2009."
Acting Director General of the Central Administration of Statistics, Marlene Bahous, revealed that the 2023 survey will cover all Lebanese territories without exception, including Palestinian refugee camps and displaced Syrian people, and will encompass all resident population groups in Lebanon, both Lebanese and non-Lebanese.
She continued, stating, "The sample size reached 17,800 households: 800 households from Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, 750 households from Syrian displacement camps in Lebanon, and 16,250 households from other Lebanese territories. The sample was drawn in a scientific random manner, ensuring equal chances for all households to be part of this sample."
Additionally, the research will provide data on 31 indicators under the umbrella of 11 different sustainable development goals, contributing to monitoring the progress made towards achieving the sustainable development goals for 2030.
