Minister Paudel highlights Nepal’s health progress at UN, calls for global cooperation
He mentioned that there has been an increase in the use of family planning methods, a reduction in fertility rates, and a decrease in teenage pregnancies and child marriages.
KATHMANDU: Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel addressed the 58th session of the Population and Development Commission at the United Nations Headquarters in New York today.
On this occasion, Minister Paudel highlighted the significant progress Nepal has made in reducing maternal and newborn mortality over the past three decades.
He mentioned that there has been an increase in the use of family planning methods, a reduction in fertility rates, and a decrease in teenage pregnancies and child marriages.
“Nepal is committed to strengthening its health system to provide healthcare to all citizens,” said Minister Paudel. “However, this is not something we can achieve alone.” He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in achieving these goals.
Minister Paudel also pointed out that due to budget limitations in the health sector and lower per capita health expenditure compared to global standards, rural areas face challenges in accessing adequate infrastructure and health services.
He further mentioned that climate change has posed additional challenges to Nepal’s health sector. According to the Minister’s private secretariat, the country is facing difficulties due to a decrease in development aid, which has made it harder for countries like Nepal to address these issues.
“To address these challenges, we are emphasizing the need for increased development aid for Nepal,” Minister Paudel stated. He also underscored the necessity of increased private sector investment in the health sector.
