Iraq's multidimensional poverty rate decreases to 10.8 pct in 2024

BAGHDAD, July 30 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Ministry of Planning on Wednesday launched a national report on the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which shows a decrease from 11.4 percent in 2018 to 10.8 percent in 2024.

During the launch ceremony, Iraqi Minister of Planning Muhammad Tamim said the income poverty index in Iraq has fallen to 17.5 percent compared to more than 20 percent in previous years, according to a ministry statement.

However, this improvement does not negate the need to consider the non-monetary dimensions of poverty, such as education, health, living conditions, employment, and economic and social shocks, Tamim said.

The report will contribute to diagnosing the basic needs of citizens through accurate spatial and sectoral analysis, which will guide government policies towards improving services and living conditions, Tamim said.

The launch of the MPI analytical report marks "a major step forward in the country's understanding of and response to poverty," said a statement by the United Nations Development Programme. Enditem