Geneva — Nepal’s Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Poudel, has urged the United Nations and international donor agencies to continue their support for maternal, child, and neonatal health programs in Nepal, citing challenges arising from recent cuts in foreign development assistance.

Speaking at a high-level ministerial roundtable ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, Minister Poudel highlighted the negative impact of funding reductions on Nepal’s critical health services aimed at saving lives of mothers and children.

He emphasized that as Nepal is transitioning toward becoming a lower-middle-income country, declining development assistance could hamper the delivery of essential health services. “Foreign aid cuts are already affecting programs supporting reproductive-age women, under-five children, and adult reproductive health education,” he stated.

According to the minister, nearly 5 million women of reproductive age and 1.5 million children under the age of five have been affected by reduced funding for nutrition and healthcare programs. Additionally, around 3.5 million adults are seeing reduced access to reproductive education and services.

“Changes in donor priorities and cuts from both bilateral and multilateral sources are impacting major health initiatives in Nepal, including maternal and child health, immunization, nutrition, safe abortion services, and family planning programs,” Poudel said. “In response, Nepal has increased domestic budget allocations for these areas, but the shrinking health budget still poses a significant challenge.”

Minister Poudel called on the global community, including the UN and donors, to ensure sustainable financial and technical support for low-income countries facing similar challenges.

During the roundtable, Minister Poudel also shared Nepal’s achievements in maternal and child health. He presented data showing that Nepal reduced its maternal mortality rate by 71% from the year 2000 to 2023, expressing confidence that the country is on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 if progress continues.

Minister Poudel is scheduled to address the main plenary of the World Health Assembly beginning tomorrow. He will also hold bilateral meetings with health ministers and officials from other countries, as well as engage with the community of Nepali healthcare professionals in Europe.