Maternal Mortality Levels and Trends in Nepal: A Brief Update

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Demography
• Global Health

Background:

• Maternal mortality remains a critical global health issue.
• Sustainable Development Goals aim to reduce maternal mortality ratios worldwide.
• Accurate data on maternal mortality trends are essential for effective policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review revised estimates of maternal mortality levels and trends in Nepal.
• To assess the trajectory for achieving the 2030 maternal mortality reduction target.
• To identify necessary strategic interventions for accelerated decline.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of revised maternal mortality estimates from the UN Maternal Mortality Inter-agency Group (MMEIG).
• Review of maternal mortality ratio (MMR) data from 1990 to 2015.
• Projection of future MMR trends to assess progress towards the 2030 target.

Main Results:

• Nepal's MMR decreased from 901 in 1990 to 258 in 2015, a 71% reduction.
• Between 2000 and 2015, the MMR reduction was 53%, with an annualized decline rate of 5.0%.
• Achieving the 2030 target of MMR ≤70 requires a 73% reduction from 2015 levels, necessitating an 8.7% annual decline.

Conclusions:

• Current interventions are insufficient to meet the 2030 maternal mortality target.
• Intensified strategic interventions are urgently needed.
• Strengthening the recording and reporting of maternal deaths is crucial for accurate monitoring and future planning.