Atyrau Regional Akimat, UNICEF, and the National Bureau of Statistics Hold Meeting to Review MICS Findings

Atyrau, 6 August 2025 — An official meeting was held at the Atyrau Regional Akimat with representatives of the National Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The visit is part of a special UNICEF mission aimed at strengthening partnerships and advancing priorities in child rights protection, sustainable development, and youth policy.

UNICEF expressed gratitude to the Atyrau Regional Akimat for active support and effective coordination in conducting the 2024 Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). The survey collected unique and up-to-date data on the situation of children, women, and youth in the region — including access to education and health services, living conditions, nutrition, and protection.

Based on the MICS analysis, Atyrau region demonstrates significant achievements in education and early childhood development. The region ranks 6th in the country for numeracy skills: 81% of children showed basic math knowledge. Despite the limited number of books in households, 83.1% of children demonstrated reading skills. In the Early Childhood Development Index, Atyrau region ranks 8th — 8 out of 10 children aged 2 to 4 develop according to their age in health, learning, and psycho-emotional well-being.

The region also has one of the lowest poverty rates in the country: overall poverty is 2.9%, child poverty — 4.3%. Over the past 10 years, the overall poverty rate increased by only 0.1 percentage points, while child poverty decreased by 0.5 points. No cases of child labor were recorded in the region.

At the same time, MICS findings revealed several areas requiring increased attention. According to the study, the neonatal mortality rate in the region is 7 per 1,000 live births, and under-five mortality is 11 per 1,000. Over the past 10 years, this indicator increased from 9.58 to 11.

High rates of children left unsupervised are also a concern: 7.2% of young children are at home alone or under the care of a child under 10 years old. One in three children (35.6%) is subjected to physical or psychological discipline in the upbringing process.

Nutrition indicators among children under five remain a serious problem. One in ten children shows moderate stunting, and one in twenty — severe stunting. 9.3% of children suffer from moderate underweight, 4.1% — severe underweight. At the same time, the region shows high levels of obesity: 13.1% — moderate and 6.2% — severe. All these indicators are 2–3 times higher than the national average. Over the past 10 years, the situation has worsened in all areas: rates of severe stunting, malnutrition, and severe obesity have increased.

UNICEF, the National Bureau of Statistics, and the Akimat representatives emphasized the importance of regular use of MICS data for developing and adjusting regional programs in the interests of children. The obtained results will form the basis for inter-agency planning and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals in Atyrau region.

The parties expressed readiness to continue strategic dialogue and implement joint initiatives that promote sustainable development in the region and create a favorable environment for every child.