Kathmandu, December 18:

Despite unprecedented generosity, year 2005 witnessed disparity in humanitarian aid distribution, the World Disasters Report 2006 said. The report adds that the aid failed to reach the people who need it the most.

In Nepal, maternal and neonatal mortality topped the list of the neglected crisis. A record of Department of Health Services in 1996 put the mortality rate at 539 per 100,000, later in 2004 after adjustments by UNICEF, the rate was put at 740, implying that 5,000 to 6,000 women die each year during childbirth. “It means one pregnant woman dies every two hours,” said Jonathan Walter, editor of the report presenting Nepal’s fact file.

Unsafe childbirth and neonatal practices, lack of healthcare facilities and discrimination against women are main factors responsible for high mortality. “Most of the mothers died during childbirth due to lack of emergency obstetric care or assistance from a skilled birth attendant following birth complications,” the report stated. Over 90 per cent deliveries take place at home without skilled attendants. The rate of neonatal mortality is 39 per 1,000 live birth. An estimated 30,000 neonatal deaths occur every year, a report of Department of Health Services said.