More mothers now deliver in hospitals, but deaths remain high
Summary
Nepal's institutional delivery rate has risen to 90.5 percent by 2025, yet maternal deaths remain high, with 224 women dying of maternity-related complications in FY 2024-25. Despite efforts like free delivery services and antenatal care visits, challenges persist predominantly in rural areas and due to medical complications.
Key Points
- Institutional delivery rate in Nepal increased to 90.5 percent by 2025 from around 80 percent in 2022.
- Four antenatal care visits increased to 85 percent from 81 percent in three years.
- 224 women died of maternity-related complications in fiscal year 2024-25 despite higher institutional delivery rates.
- Maternal and neonatal deaths continue to be high due to postpartum hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, referral delays, and mismanagement.
