COVID- 19 Pandemic and its Effect on Pregnancy in Nepal: A Public Health Issue

Abstract

World Health Organization declared Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) that was originated from Wuhan, China as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The world is facing unprecedented test due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The scenario of Nepal reflects that in present condition where country is fighting with COVID- 19, safe pregnancy is not guaranteed and fear of challenges to ensure the lives of mother and children is seen among pregnant women. In particular, this has been especially major problem for pregnant women, who fear not only for themselves but often even more so for their unborn infants. Three Nepali mothers still die daily at childbirth and at least 24 women had died of birth-related complications during first two months of lockdown in Nepal. The situation is worse in remote areas where hospitals are few and far between and communities are coupled with a lack of awareness about reproductive healthcare. Thus, Nepal government should seriously address these issues because it is said that the pregnant women are the vulnerable groups during emergencies, disaster and disease outbreak. Also living in a healthy environment is ascribed as a right of people in the constitution of Nepal 2015.