Kathmandu, May 27

Tewordros Melesse, director general of International Planned Parenthood Federation, met with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Health Minister Gagan Thapa, senior government officials and heads of various civil society organisations during his first ever visit to Nepal.

Speaking at a press meet in Kathmandu today, he said the government of Nepal should promote safe abortion and Sexual Reproductive Health Right in coordination with private and public sectors. He added that the country should be able to ensure safe abortion through contributions from civil society in cases of insufficient international funding.

He said the recent decision by the US government to withdraw funding for the United Nations Population  Fund, which is a long standing partner of the IPPF, will make a huge impact on women and girl’s right to reproductive health.

“The IPPF is able to provide only 40 per cent of the fund under the SRHR. So, the Family Planning Association Nepal has to manage 60 per cent of the fund,” said Melesse.  From 1990 to 2015, the global maternal mortality ratio declined by 44 per cent – from 385 deaths to 216 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to UN inter-agency estimates. This translates to an average annual rate of reduction of 2.3 per cent.

“Maternal mortality rate is gradually declining in Nepal as well, but the government should be able to educate

its society, children, parents and teachers from the grassroots level to mark a significant change in the situation,” he said.