Publication: Major problems and key issues in Maternal Health in Nepal
Date
2006
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
This paper highlights some of the challenges facing maternal health in Nepal and to suggest possible solutions for
improvements. Key literature from across the globe is reviewed and discussed in a Nepalese context. Maternal
mortality remains one of the biggest public health problems in Nepal. Lack of access to basic maternal healthcare,
difficult geographical terrain, poorly developed transportation and communication systems, poverty, illiteracy,
women's low status in the society, political conflict, shortage of health care professional and under utilization of
currently available services are major challenges to improving maternal health in Nepal. In order to effect real
improvements in maternal health, attention needs to be focused both on biomedical and social interventions.
Improving health facilities, mother’s nutrition, women’s position in the society such as freedom of movement,
providing education to female children, integrating Traditional Birth Attendants into local health services can play a
vital role in the improvement of mothers’ health.