Improvements in maternal health in Nepal: Further analysis of the 2006 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey.

This study examines trends in maternal mortality use of maternal health services and sociodemographic changes in Nepal using the results of three successive DHS surveys from 1996 to 2006. It draws on supporting evidence from national health service statistics from the Nepal Health Management Information System (HMIS) and indicators from Nepali facilities on emergency obstetric care which were collected in 13 of 75 districts over the period of interest. Additional sources of data for this study are derived from the records of the Ministry of Health as well as recent budget surveys that record information on household expenditure on health. Problems of under-reporting and inaccuracy are associated with all of these data sources but by using the information in combination it is possible to build up a reasonably good impression of the progress in maternal health in Nepal. (Excerpt)