A Tale of Two Births: Transforming Maternal and Newborn Health in Nepal
By Katie Dyas
2010: A Dangerous Journey into Motherhood
In 2010, giving birth in Nepal, particularly in remote regions like Baglung and Dolpa, was fraught with risk. For the majority of women, childbirth took place at home without the support of a trained medical professional. Nationally, only 20% of women delivered with a skilled birth attendant (SBA). In Baglung, that number was less than 19%, and in Dolpa, it was less than 5%. Maternal and neonatal mortality rates in northwestern Nepal were five times the national average.
Facilities and trained professionals were scarce. Many birthing centers lacked essential equipment, and the nearest hospital might be days away by foot. Cultural taboos, financial constraints, and inadequate infrastructure made it nearly impossible for women to access even basic prenatal care. For too many families, the joy of childbirth was overshadowed by grief.
This was the landscape when One Heart Worldwide (OHW) began its work, committed to addressing the barriers to safe motherhood and childhood. In partnership with local organizations like SWAN in Baglung and Dharma Karma in Dolpa, OHW introduced life-saving interventions, including training programs for Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) and equipping birthing centers. By 2011, Hatiya and Paiyunpata Birthing Centers in Baglung and the Dunai Birthing Center in Dolpa were fully operational, providing critical support to their communities.
The impact was immediate and profound. By the end of 2011, the percentage of women delivering with an SBA in OHW program areas soared to 70%. Similarly, OHW programs saw maternal deaths drop to zero among the 237 births recorded in 2011 and neonatal deaths were reduced to just two. The percentage of women attending at least three prenatal visits surpassed 95%, setting a new standard for maternal healthcare in these regions.
2024: A Revolution in Maternal Care
Fast-forward to 2024, and the story of childbirth in Nepal has transformed dramatically. Over the past 14 years, OHW’s programs have reached over 1.3 million mothers and newborns.
The cumulative numbers as of the end of 2023 tell a compelling story:
Improved access to quality maternal and newborn care for 22% of Nepal’s pregnant women and infants.
721 birthing centers upgraded, including 81 new upgrades in 2023 alone.
770 Skilled Birth Attendants trained, with 76 completing their training last year.
Introduction of cutting-edge rural obstetric ultrasound training for SBAs, with 28 participants in 2023.
These efforts have driven a 48% average increase in births attended by trained healthcare providers in transition districts. In 2023 alone, OHW’s programs benefited 277,241 mothers and newborns, setting a new benchmark for maternal and neonatal care in Nepal.
Today, families can access well-equipped birthing centers within their communities. These birthing centers are supported by skilled SBAs trained in delivery and the use of tools like portable, rural ultrasounds. Additionally, FCHVs continue to play a crucial role on the ground, providing essential education and outreach to ensure that every woman feels empowered to seek care before, during, and after childbirth.
OHW’s Path Forward
The real story of One Heart is the power of partnerships, local engagement, and focusing on access to quality care. The past 14 years are evidence that we can create real, material change for women and newborns across Nepal by investing in a comprehensive safety net that invests in their community and considers their cultural and geographical realities.
OHW’s efforts have saved countless lives, but our mission is far from over. Our next milestone is to triple our impact by 2028 to reach 3.8 million mothers and newborns with improved access to quality maternal and newborn care. In other words, we are doubling down on our commitment to make childbirth safe for every woman, no matter where she lives.
Looking back on OHW’s work, one thing is clear: Nepal's maternal and newborn health story is no longer one of despair but of hope, resilience, and transformation.
Stick around and join us on our journey to 3.8 million mothers & newborns!
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