Global Health Issues: 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey Highlights

The Ministry of Health, Nepal has recently released the 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) that pointed out at various health issues concerning Nepal.

While NDHS usually provides survey reports on various health issues, the 2016 NDHS- the fifth edition has come up with its findings on hypertension for the first time in its history.

Major Progress in Maternal and Child Health

The 2016 survey highlighted major progress in maternal and child health situation in Nepal over the last 20 years.

The findings have shown a decline in the percentage of stunted children by 14% during 2001-06, by an additional 16% during 2006-11 and a drop by 12% during 2011-16, with a similar trend downwards in case of underweight children.

According to the survey, the nutritional status of children in Nepal has improved over the two decades.

                  (Source: 2016 NDHS Report)

            (Source: 2016 NDHS Report)

Decline in Line with Millennium Development Goals

“This decline has been in line with the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target. However, there is still a long way to go to meet the SDG target of reducing stunting to 31% and underweight to 25 percent among children under 5 by 2017 (NPC 2015),” said the report.

                      (Source: 2016 NDHS Report)

With regard to infant mortality, there has been a decline from 78 per 1,000 live births to 32 during 1996-2016.

Pointing at a sharp decline in under-five mortality from 118 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1996 to 39 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2016, the survey found that more children in the country are surviving early childhood than ever before.

Fertility levels and preferences, marriage, sexual activity, nutrition, breast feeding practices, anemia, childhood and maternal mortality, maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections and domestic violence are among other health issues covered under the survey.

Data Relevant to National Health Strategy

             (Source: 2016 NDHS Report)

The 2016 NDHS also provides indicators relevant to the Nepal Health Sector Strategy (NHSS) 2016-2021 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), informed an official release.

The data collection for the survey was carried out from June 19, 2016 to January 31, 2017.

The 2016 NDHS was implemented by New Era under the aegis of the Ministry of Health, Nepal and was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).