Nepal's maternal mortality rates drops by 70 per cent in 25 years

 Kathmandu, Apr. 8

Nepal has marked a remarkable milestone in maternal health, achieving a more than 70 per cent reduction in maternal mortality since 2000, according to a new United Nations report released on World Health Day.

The country’s Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) now stands at 142 per 100,000 live births, showcasing one of the more successful public health improvements in the region.

The ‘Trends in Maternal Mortality’ report, published by the United Nations, revealed that global maternal deaths have dropped by 40 per cent between 2000 and 2023. However, it also raised alarms about a slowdown in progress, with 260,000 women still dying from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications in 2023 — equivalent to one death every two minutes.

Nepal’s success story also includes a neonatal mortality rate of 16.6 per 1,000 live births and a stillbirth rate reduced to 13.5 per 1,000 births, informed the UN in a statement.

Health experts credited this progress to improved access to essential maternal and newborn health services. Yet, they warned that persistent inequalities in healthcare access across provinces remain a serious concern.

While celebrating Nepal’s progress, Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal, emphasised the need for continued investment. “To close this gap and to ensure Nepal continues to stay on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, we must prioritise women’s and newborns’ health and wellbeing,” he stated.

However, the global situation remains precarious. The UN agencies caution that widespread cuts in humanitarian aid are putting essential services at risk, especially in conflict-affected or fragile countries where nearly two-thirds of maternal deaths now occur. Facility closures, staff shortages and supply disruptions are already being reported.

According to the report, the global maternal mortality ratio needs to fall by around 15 per cent annually to meet the UN’s 2030 target — a steep rise from the current 1.5 cent annual decline.

As World Health Day 2025 echoes the theme ‘Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures’, experts urge governments and donors to renew their commitments to maternal health — warning that without urgent action, progress could quickly unravel.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 April 2025.