KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health has decided to mark Nepali year 2075 BS and the year following as years for safe motherhood campaign.

Minister of State for Health, Padma Kumari Aryal, announced the commencement of this campaign on the occasion of fifth National Safe Motherhood Day-2075 BS, here today.

Speaking at a programme at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), the Minister of State said the government introduced plans and policies to observe the campaign for two consecutive years. The campaign shall be implemented in four phases.

According to Minister Aryal, among other initiatives in the campaign, the government has set a target of establishing a safe motherhood fund at every local level to be utilised for emergency maternity services.

Screening of cervical and breast cancer through all heath facilities, public awareness on safe motherhood with the participation of adolescents, essay writing and debate competition on safe motherhood, education for girls on menstrual health and hygiene, and nationwide distribution of sanitary pads are parts of the campaign. Women's capacity enhancement issue shall also be highlighted during the campaign.

On the occasion, the Minister of State honoured five new mothers at the hospital.