WHO Warns: Nepal's Maternal Death Decline of 70% Since 2000 Faces Threats
Kathmandu, April 10 - A recent WHO report indicates that Nepal has seen a reduction of more than 70 percent in maternal mortality rates since the year 2000.
In their report published on Tuesday, the World Health Organization revealed that approximately 142 Nepalese women succumb to pregnancy-related issues for every 100,000 live births.
A prior investigation conducted by the National Statistics Office in 2021 revealed 151 maternal fatalities for every 100,000 live births.
Likewise, neonatal mortality currently sits at 16.6 for every 1,000 live births, and the stillbirth rate has dropped to 13.5 per 1,000 births, as reported by the United Nations health agency.
The Nepal Demographic and Health Survey from 2022, conducted by the Ministry of Health and Population, revealed that 21 newborns pass away for every 1,000 live births.
“ Congratulations to the Government of Nepal, the Ministry of Health and Population, partners, and everyone who contributed towards making substantial strides in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates. As we celebrate these achievements, it’s crucial to recognize the ongoing disparities in healthcare among different provinces and districts which still hinder numerous women and their families from accessing high-quality maternity care,” stated Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, the World Health Organization Representative in Nepal.
In order to bridge this gap and guarantee that Nepal maintains progress toward achieving the SDG targets for maternal mortality rate (MMR), it is essential to prioritize the health and wellbeing of women and newborns and allocate resources appropriately.
The report is released amid significant reductions in humanitarian funding, which are severely affecting crucial healthcare services across various regions globally. This has compelled nations to retract important provisions for maternal, newborn, and child health. Such budget cuts have resulted in clinic shutdowns, diminished numbers of healthcare professionals, and interrupted delivery systems for critical resources like medications for hemorrhages, preeclampsia, and malaria—conditions identified by the World Health Organization as major contributors to maternal mortality rates.
Women nowadays have a higher chance of surviving pregnancy and childbirth compared to before, yet there’s a risk of significant regression due to previously unseen reductions in financial assistance occurring globally, warns the United Nations’ health agency.
Health authorities in Nepal indicate that multiple current health initiatives have faced disruptions following the suspension of almost all international aid by the U.S. government. This halt began at the end of January, shortly after President Donald Trump took office, and will continue for about three months globally.
The discontinued programs encompass neonatal care training for numerous healthcare professionals as well as several initiatives linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, such as maternal and child health, nutritional support, reproductive health services, and family planning measures.
The report states that without immediate intervention, the agencies caution that expectant mothers across several nations will encounter serious consequences—especially those in humanitarian situations where maternal mortality rates are already dangerously elevated.
The report emphasizes not only maintaining essential care for pregnant women, those giving birth, and the early postpartum phase but also stresses enhancing women’s general wellbeing by increasing access to family planning. Additionally, it highlights the prevention of pre-existing health issues such as anemia, malaria, and non-communicable illnesses—conditions known to elevate risk factors. Furthermore, the document underscores the necessity of keeping adolescent girls enrolled in education along with equipping both females and young ladies with adequate information and means to safeguard their own health.
The World Health Organization has stressed that immediate financial support is crucial to avoid maternal fatalities. Presently, we are not progressing adequately to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal concerning maternal survival. On a global scale, the maternal mortality rate must decrease by approximately 15% annually to reach the 2030 objective—this represents a substantial escalation compared to the present yearly reduction rate of about 1.5%.