Importance of Expanding Midwifery-led Units and Midwifery Care in Reducing Maternal Deaths in Nepal.

Abstract

Nepal Maternal Mortality Survey (NMMS) published in 2021 estimated the country's maternal mortality ratio to be 151 per 100,000 live births. The majority of maternal deaths in Nepal occur in the health facilities and on the way to a health facility. The major cause of maternal deaths is direct causes, many of which are preventable causes of deaths that could have been avoided. Strengthening the measures to improve the quality of maternal health services at the health facilities is highly needed. Research suggests midwives can substantially help reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in low and middle-income countries such as Nepal as they are equipped with skills and competencies in line with recommendations from the International Confederation of Midwives. Nepal has only produced a few midwives since 2020 and needs to learn from the successful experience of establishing a new midwifery profession in countries such as Bangladesh.