Maldives to Launch Nationwide Health Survey Early Next Year
Maldives to assess health situation after signing MoU with UNICEF | Photo: Health Ministry
The Ministry of Health has announced plans to launch a study to assess the current health situation across the Maldives early next year, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
MoH and @UNICEFMaldives have signed an MoU to implement the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2026–2027. MICS will collect nationwide data on health, nutrition, and well-being to guide policies and plan for a healthier Maldives. #MICS #HealthData #ForEveryChild #Maldives pic.twitter.com/pCd6mW6UdB
— Ministry of Health (@MoHmv) November 12, 2025advertisement
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The MoU formalises collaboration between the two organisations on the initiative. The upcoming assessment, known as the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), will be conducted jointly by the Ministry of Health and the UNICEF Maldives Country Office. The MoU was signed by Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim on behalf of the government, and by Dr Edward Addai, UNICEF’s Special Representative, for the UN organisation.
The survey is designed to collect data on population and health indicators, providing insights into the population’s primary health status and the effectiveness of existing health services. Minister Nazim noted that the study is internationally recognised and has been implemented in numerous countries with UNICEF’s support.
The MICS aims to inform long-term health plans and policies, supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and helping identify areas in need of improvement within the health sector. The last nationwide health situation study in the Maldives was conducted in 2017, and the absence of subsequent assessments has made it challenging to pinpoint key areas for development.
The survey will cover all Atolls and gather extensive data on population health, reproductive health, child development, and dietary practices. Approximately 6,000 households are expected to be visited as part of the nationwide study.
