After years of cramped conditions and inadequate care, Bagchaur Municipality invested in a new birthing center. 104 mothers have delivered there since.

A look back at how childbirth in Nepal has changed since 2010, from a time of scarce care in remote regions to communities with birthing centers, skilled attendants, and mothers who can seek care close to home.

Across some of Nepal's most rural districts, Niraj Bhattarai has spent his career bringing care closer to mothers and newborns, and now helps local governments invest in birthing centers that will outlast any single program.

When a powerful earthquake struck Karnali Province, One Heart Worldwide's team was on the ground within hours, setting up medical tents and safe birthing spaces so mothers and newborns in Rukum West could still reach care.

When local governments in Sarlahi began investing in their own health facilities, the change reached mothers directly: better-equipped birthing centers, trained nurses, and care closer to home.

"We never had such a health education program in our village." For new mothers like Soneeya in Myagdi, learning about safe pregnancy has changed what care looks like close to home.