Dr. Mahesh Kumar Maskey delivered a detailed presentation to the Honorable Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya, and the Provincial Minister of Health, Khem Bahadur Saru.

The presentation focused on an ongoing project titled “Reducing Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) in an Eco-Ethnographically Diverse District of Nepal (Kapilvastu) through an Engaged, Digitalized Comprehensive Continuum of Care.”

This initiative is being implemented in Kapilvastu District, a region characterized by its rich ecological variation and diverse ethnic composition, which presents unique challenges in maternal and neonatal healthcare delivery.

During the session, Dr. Maskey highlighted the innovative “Motherhood Method,” a community-centered and data-driven approach designed to monitor and accelerate progress toward maternal and neonatal Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The method integrates digital tools with grassroots engagement, enabling real-time tracking of pregnancies, institutional deliveries, postnatal care, and newborn health outcomes.

He elaborated on how the project ensures a comprehensive continuum of care, starting from pre-pregnancy awareness and antenatal services to safe delivery practices and postnatal follow-up. Special emphasis was placed on the role of local health workers, community participation, and culturally sensitive interventions tailored to the diverse population of Kapilvastu.

The digitalization component of the project was also discussed in depth. It facilitates improved data collection, monitoring, and evidence-based decision-making at both local and provincial levels. This approach not only strengthens accountability but also helps identify gaps in service delivery more efficiently.

Dr. Maskey further presented preliminary outcomes and monitoring indicators, demonstrating encouraging progress in improving maternal and neonatal health metrics in the district. The initiative aligns closely with Nepal’s commitment to achieving SDG targets related to maternal and child health.

The Chief Minister and the Health Minister appreciated the project’s innovative approach and emphasized the importance of scaling such evidence-based models across other districts of Lumbini Province to ensure equitable and quality healthcare for all mothers and newborns.