Akmola Region Akimat, UNICEF, and the Bureau of National Statistics Discuss Key Findings of the MICS Survey

Kokshetau, 15 August 2025 — The Akimat of Akmola Region hosted an official meeting with representatives of the Bureau of National Statistics and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Kazakhstan. The visit is part of a special UNICEF mission aimed at strengthening partnerships and advancing regional priorities in child rights, sustainable development, and social policy.

UNICEF expressed its appreciation to the Akimat of Akmola Region for its strong collaboration and active support in conducting the 2024 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). The survey provided valuable data on the well-being of women and children in the region — covering health services, education, nutrition, and access to social protection.

According to MICS results, Akmola Region has achieved significant progress in several areas. Over the past decade, the under-five mortality rate has decreased from 10.13 to 4 deaths per 1,000 live births, and neonatal mortality has been fully eliminated. The region maintains high immunization coverage: 91.3% for BCG, 86% for hepatitis B at birth, and 50–80% for other vaccines. Notably, 97% of women receive antenatal care at least four times — aligning with international standards.

Akmola also reports one of the lowest rates of early marriage (1.3%) and adolescent birth rate (ages 15–19), ranking 18th nationally. The region ranks 4th in Kazakhstan on the Early Childhood Development Index. Schools in the region do not operate on triple shifts, and only 0.4% of educational institutions are classified as emergency buildings.

At the same time, the survey highlighted areas that require increased attention. Of particular concern are indicators related to childhood overweight and obesity. Among children aged 5–9, one in three is moderately overweight, and 8 out of every 100 children are affected by severe obesity. There is also a rise in the share of children with moderate stunting — from 2.9% to 3.9% over the past ten years.

Akmola ranks 18th nationally in newborn care, with nearly half of newborns not receiving postnatal check-ups within the first week after discharge. The region stands 10th in Kazakhstan in the number of pediatricians per 100,000 children. In terms of learning outcomes in mathematics and reading among children aged 7–14, Akmola ranks 14th.

While parental engagement in early learning and reading at home among children under 3 years is strong, findings suggest further potential to boost reading interest among school-aged children. Currently, 66.8% of children have three or more books at home, and 81.8% regularly read at home — a solid foundation that can be further strengthened through targeted initiatives and support for family reading.

Representatives from UNICEF, the Bureau of National Statistics, and the Akimat emphasized the importance of using MICS data regularly to inform and adapt regional programmes focused on the needs of children and women. The findings will serve as a key tool in cross-sectoral planning and in accelerating progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.

All parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued strategic cooperation and to advancing joint initiatives that support sustainable regional development and ensure a nurturing environment for every child.