The Nepal Health Fact Sheet 2024, published by the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and the Department of Health Services (DoHS), offers a detailed snapshot of Nepal’s health system, reflecting progress, challenges, and aspirations toward universal health coverage (UHC). This evidence-based document is a vital resource for policymakers, program managers, healthcare professionals, and development partners.
Major Highlights of the Fact Sheet
1. Key Health Achievements
- Maternal and Child Health: Nepal achieved a Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of 151 per 100,000 live births in 2023, showing significant progress from 539 in 1996. However, disparities exist across provinces, with MMR highest in Lumbini (207) and lowest in Bagmati (98).
- Immunization Coverage: Immunization rates have reached 90%+ nationally, with efforts to sustain vaccine equity in hard-to-reach areas.
- Family Planning: Total Fertility Rate (TFR) stands at 2.1, achieving the replacement level of fertility.
2. Health Infrastructure
- Public Hospitals: A total of 234 public hospitals are operational nationwide, with Bagmati province hosting the highest number.
- Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs): Nepal has 184 PHCCs, ensuring decentralized healthcare services.
- Health Posts (HPs): There are 3,778 health posts across the country, forming the backbone of rural health services.
- Non-Public Facilities: A significant number of 2,178 non-public health facilities contribute to healthcare access.
3. Health Workforce
- Frontline Workers: Over 50,396 Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) are active nationwide, with high engagement in community health activities.
- Healthcare Professionals: Improved distribution of physicians, nurses, and paramedics in federal and local-level hospitals. However, rural areas still face shortages.
4. Disease Control Programs
- Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): NCDs account for 66% of total deaths, necessitating robust preventive strategies.
- Vector-Borne Diseases: Sustained efforts continue for malaria, dengue, and kala-azar elimination, with a focus on climate-resilient health strategies.
- Tuberculosis Control: Notification rates have improved significantly, supported by DOTS programs.
5. Health Financing
- Conditional Health Grants: Allocated to provinces and local governments, contributing to improved service delivery. Total health expenditure remains focused on achieving equity.
Challenges Identified
- Geographical Disparities: Health outcomes vary significantly across provinces, highlighting inequities in healthcare access.
- NCD Burden: A steep rise in NCD prevalence requires urgent policy interventions.
- Climate Change Impacts: Increasing vector-borne diseases emphasize the need for adaptive healthcare strategies.
- Health Insurance: Low enrollment and renewal rates threaten the goal of universal health coverage.
Future Directions
The Nepal Health Fact Sheet 2024 emphasizes targeted interventions and evidence-based policymaking to overcome current challenges. The Nepal Health Sector Strategic Plan (2023-2030) aims to:
- Enhance Health Equity: Strengthening services in underserved regions.
- Promote Preventive Care: Focus on primary healthcare and NCD management.
- Expand Health Insurance: Achieve broader coverage and enrollment.
- Leverage Technology: Digital health tools for data-driven decision-making.
The Nepal Health Fact Sheet 2024 is a testament to Nepal’s progress in health while underlining the challenges that lie ahead. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and investing in sustainable health solutions, Nepal is well-positioned to achieve its vision of universal health coverage and a healthier future for all.
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