Nepal has achieved tremendous progress in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality even in a challenging political time as the country formed the foundations of a democratic republic. The nation has consistently made a concerted effort at the national policy level to improve health for mothers and newborns via safe motherhood action plans and enable a robust program of female community health volunteers to reach rural populations. Increasing access to health facilities, improving human resources, and legalizing abortion have also contributed to mortality reductions. Nepal faces unique topographic challenges with some of the world’s highest mountains, yet it has achieved parity between urban and rural settings in several key indicators and continues to narrow equity gaps between income groups.
More broadly, Nepal's health policies are driven by sound evidence and adaptation linked to programmatic improvements, investments, implementation and accountability. The country continues to make health-enhancing investments in other related sectors such as education, roads, water, electricity and women's empowerment. It is clear that strong government leadership, scaling up high-impact evidence-based interventions, working constructively with partners, commitment to access for all, and a focus on quality of services are precursors to the success of maternal and newborn health programs in Nepal.
Focusing on narrowing the equity gaps and expanding access to health insurance to reduce out-of-pocket spending will help Nepal continue its trajectory. At current rates, Nepal is on track to meet both the national Sustainable Development Goal target of 116 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births for maternal mortality and the Sustainable Development Goal target of 12 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030. Moving forward, Nepal is well positioned to continue to improve maternal and neonatal health.