Core area “Health, social protection and population dynamics” Better healthcare for all

Nepal has significantly reduced maternal and neonatal mortality, but many people – particularly women, children and vulnerable groups – still have inadequate access to healthcare and social protection. Through development cooperation activities, Germany is therefore supporting the establishment of a fair and resilient health system.

Nepal has made significant progress in the health sector in recent decades, including a marked reduction in maternal and neonatal mortality. Since 2000, the maternal mortality rate has fallen by 71 per cent to around 142 per 100,000 live births. The mortality rate among newborns has also fallen significantly.

Nevertheless, there are still significant inequalities in access to efficient health services – such as health insurance or financial safety nets – between urban and rural areas, with the result that, in particular, people in informal employment, children and vulnerable groups often lack reliable protection against risks such as illness. Every month, around 52 women still die from pregnancy-related complications, mainly in remote and underserved areas.

Goals for the sector

In the health sector, German development cooperation with Nepal focuses on ensuring that public health systems are efficient and equitable. Gender equality and social inclusion are key criteria in this regard: Health services should take account of different life circumstances and, in particular, improve access for women and disadvantaged groups. Investment in facilities, in their digital connectivity and in qualified staff improves, above all, the care provided for pregnant women, mothers and newborns. The further development of the national health insurance system and the resolution of related structural problems are also high priorities in bilateral cooperation.

Project examples

Germany’s involvement strengthens key state actors in the Nepalese health sector in order to ensure equitable and high-quality care. The focus is on strengthening administrative and financial capabilities, adopting a more data-driven approach to management with public participation, and further developing digital health information systems.
Support towards the implementation of the National Strategy on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion is being given to the Ministry of Health and selected local authorities in Nepal. A gender-sensitive approach is used for the planning of health provision, in order to enable better access to insurance and high-quality health services for women and marginalised groups.
In the Kathmandu Valley and in the Mid- and Far-West regions of Nepal, care for pregnant women, mothers and newborns is being improved. Hospitals are being expanded, better equipped and digitally connected, whilst staff are being trained in management, operations and standards so as to ensure the sustainable use of these services.

to the overview page on Nepal

As at: 27/07/2026