Multidimensional Poverty Index

Multidimensional Poverty Index

13 February 2026

The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) recently reported that, according to the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), 7.9% of Curaçao’s population is classified as poor (CBS, 2026). At the same time, figures from that same CBS show that approximately 30% of the population lives below the poverty line. Those two realities are difficult to reconcile.

The MPI looks at multiple dimensions, such as access to healthcare, education, employment, and living conditions — including internet access. But does this mean that people living below the poverty line are not poor as long as they formally have access to these services? That is, at the very least, a questionable conclusion.

Poverty is not a static concept. People earning above the poverty line can also struggle structurally due to inflation, particularly rising food prices. Against that backdrop, it is legitimate to ask whether existing indicators adequately reflect the daily reality of households (Nu.cw, 2026a).

Against this background, another report appeared: Curaçao kampt met een diabetescrisis (Nu.cw, 2026b). When these two reports are read side by side, they reveal not isolated problems, but an underlying pattern. Poverty and poor health reinforce each other, especially where unhealthy food is cheaper and more accessible than healthy alternatives.

Policy is lagging behind reality. One concrete policy question therefore imposes itself: where, for example, are the sugar tax, a structural prevention budget, and healthy school meals?

“Watch your health — but above all, make sure policy does the same.”

Miguel Goede

References (APA)

CBS. (2026, 12 februari). Brede armoedeproblematiek blijft hardnekkig op Curaçao. Nu.cw.https://nu.cw/2026/02/12/cbs-brede-armoedeproblematiek-blijft-hardnekkig-op-curacao/

Nu.cw. (2026a, 12 februari). CBS: Brede armoedeproblematiek blijft hardnekkig op Curaçao.https://nu.cw/2026/02/12/cbs-brede-armoedeproblematiek-blijft-hardnekkig-op-curacao/

Nu.cw. (2026b, 11 februari). Zorgsector waarschuwt voor diabetescrisis op Curaçao.https://nu.cw/2026/02/11/zorgsector-waarschuwt-voor-diabetescrisis-op-curacao/