Event Detail
MDG Committee Lauds Nepal’s Maternal Health Strides
September 19, 2010 – December 31, 1969
To read about the MDG award given to Sierra Leone, see here.
UNITED NATIONS -- Nepal received a Millennium Development Goal (MDG) award earlier this month for its “outstanding national leadership, commitment and progress toward achievement of MDG Goal 5—Improve Maternal Health.” Nepal was one of eight governments recognized on Sept. 19 by the MDG Awards Committee as part of the United Nations’ MDG Summit in New York.
The ratio of maternal deaths in the country declined from 539 per 100,000 in 1991 to a reported 229 per 100,000 this year. Maternal health is a priority for Nepal as part of its policy of free essential health care. Financial incentives are provided to women who use pre-and post-natal health services and deliver in health care facilities. Reimbursement for travel expenses also is provided.
“Nepal has demonstrated that despite significant topographic, financial and cultural/traditional barriers to availability and access of maternal healthcare, significant progress can be made in achieving MDG targets,” said Dr. Sudha Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Population. Dr. Sharma attributed the advances to overall improvement in the health system, better nutrition and effective leadership. She also credited a “well motivated and dedicated cadre of health workers and female community health volunteers,” active engagement by the local community and donor and NGO support.
Resources and measurement tools fostered by the worldwide focus on MDGs helped the government make maternal health a priority, according to Gabriele Mallapaty, MLI Country Lead in Nepal. Another factor is a country strategic plan that funneled donor funding to key areas, including maternal health. “The government has been very strong in directing donors toward supporting the national budget and toward funding the program priorities,” Mallapaty said.
The awards, presented annually, recognize “exemplary efforts” by national governments and civil society in working toward MDG targets, according to a UN announcement.
Photo by Dominic Chavez.
