Nepal’s Maternal Mortality Target Challenges: Policy gaps, implementation challenges, and the potential of Digital Health Solutions

Abstract

Although timely intervention from skilled health professionals prevents most maternal fatalities according to WHO, Nepal’s rural regions face insufficient healthcare facilities, inadequate transportation systems, and socio-cultural barriers that restrict women's access to vital maternal services. The Safe Motherhood Programme and the Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA) Policy, have issues like trained healthcare workers shortage and infrastructural limitations. This viewpoint argues that innovative digital health solutions, such as mobile health programs, could improve maternal health outcomes by facilitating better access to information and services. By referencing successful examples from around the world, it suggests that incorporating digital health platforms into Nepal's public healthcare system could significantly decrease maternal mortality rates.