Why Are Women in Nepal Still Dying While Giving Birth

In Nepal, most maternal deaths could be prevented. Yet every year, women lose their lives during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the weeks that follow. A recent analysis of national data reveals that these tragedies mainly affect the most vulnerable: those living in poverty, far from cities, or in certain regions such as Lumbini Province and the Terai plains. Among women aged 15 to 49, nearly four out of every 100 deaths are related to maternity. Three-quarters occur within six weeks after childbirth, a period when complications such as hemorrhages or non-communicable diseases are common.

Social and geographical inequalities play a major role. Nearly half of the women who died lived in poor households. Peri-urban and rural areas also concentrate more risks due to the distance from healthcare and difficulties accessing hospitals. Women from marginalized castes and ethnic groups, such as the Janajatis, are particularly at risk. Chronic diseases, often linked to obesity or diabetes, worsen these dangers, increasing the risks of complications during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Lumbini, despite having healthcare infrastructure, has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. Delays in receiving care, lack of rapid transportation, and traditional beliefs partly explain this situation. Military helicopters are sometimes used to evacuate women from remote areas, but these solutions remain insufficient given the scale of needs.

Specialists emphasize the importance of strengthened medical monitoring before, during, and after birth. Regular prenatal consultations, the presence of qualified midwives, and effective emergency systems could save many lives. Innovative initiatives, such as using songs to raise awareness among less educated populations, show encouraging results. However, progress remains slow.

Indirect causes, such as infectious diseases or deficiencies, account for one-third of maternal deaths. Malaria and tuberculosis, still present in Nepal, weaken pregnant women. Unsafe abortions, though less reported, also contribute to this toll. Despite the legalization of abortion, shame and lack of information persist, especially among unmarried young girls.

Solutions exist: improving the quality of care in health centers, training more medical staff, and facilitating access to services for the most disadvantaged. Without targeted action, the goals of reducing maternal mortality by 2030 will remain out of reach. The challenge is as much medical as it is social. It requires better resource distribution and an active fight against the discrimination that still deprives too many women of vital care.

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Primary Source

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-026-01562-1

Title: Maternal Mortality in Nepal: Identifying High-Risk Groups Through Census Data

Journal: Journal of Community Health

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Monna Kurvinen; Sharad Sharma; Keshab Deuba