Belize and World Bank Launch National Cybersecurity Assessment

The Government of Belize, in partnership with the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) and UNICEF, has launched the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS7), a key tool that helps the country understand how children and families are living.

MICS7 is used in more than 120 countries, it provides detailed information on key issues such as health, education, child protection, water and sanitation, mental health, and gender equality. In Belize, the survey offers 126 indicators, including 40 that help measure progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

The survey was carried out by SIB with technical support from UNICEF. Data was collected from more than 5,000 households using questionnaires for women, men, and children. Topics included maternal and child health, early childhood development, school attendance, mental health, child discipline, and basic learning skills. The results paint a clear picture of the daily realities facing families across the country.

MICS7 cost BZ$1.9 million to complete. UNICEF covered 80 percent of the cost, while the remaining 20 percent came from several partners. These included the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, the Ministry of Human Development, the Ministry of Health & Wellness, the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations Population Fund, the Korea International Cooperation Agency, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, and SIB.

Government officials say reliable data is essential for making good decisions. The findings will help ministries, development partners, and civil society create policies and programs that directly support children and families. By strengthening its data systems, Belize is working to ensure that every child has the chance to grow, learn, and reach their full potential.

The full MICS7 report will be released to the public in early 2026.