Although Nepal has made considerable improvements in the last decade, health and social indicators remain well below the average rates in South Asia. Maternal mortality ratios are amongst the highest in Asia. Poverty and low literacy rates, especially among women, hamper Nepal's development efforts and the health status of the population. Moreover, Nepalese multi-ethnic society is dominated by men. Early marriage and pregnancy of adolescent girls and limited access to health care facilities contribute to maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.
Adolescents remain substantially untouched by the various public health programmes.
Problems related to infrastructure, management and functioning of existing services limit the impact of the Government's health care system. There is also a lack of awareness on the benefits of preventive health care. For these reasons, the RHI in Nepal should contribute to the Government's effort to improve the RH status of women, men and adolescents in underserved rural areas and among marginalised urban populations. Instead of forming new groups, linkages with village district communities, other active NGOs, local leaders, women's groups, the Government's health system or other services should be fostered.